Toronto Raptors trade rumors: 4 Canadian players to target

Oct 2, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (3) carries the ball around Utah Jazz forward Kelly Olynyk (41) Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (3) carries the ball around Utah Jazz forward Kelly Olynyk (41) Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Raptors, Nickeil Alexander-Walker
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 03: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #6 of the Utah Jazz (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

3. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Utah Jazz

Utah is just hoarding Canadian talent. While Olynyk has been able to strut his stuff on a Jazz team that is exceeding expectations, Alexander-Walker has once again found himself buried on the depth chart despite coming to town with some impressive stats from his New Orleans days.

Alexander-Walker is averaging just 6.5 points and 2.2 assists per game this season, but he’s doing so while playing just under 15 minutes per contest. He’s crying out for someone to give him a longer leash, and the Raptors might be able to quench that thirst. Perhaps a package deal with Olynyk could be in order?

Raptors trade rumors: Nickeil Alexander-Walker has potential.

The Raptors have Trent in their rotation, but he’s the only traditional shooting guard that can shoot and create in isolation situations. While the “Vision 6-9” movement has some benefits, one of the drawbacks is the fact that Toronto is at a severe disadvantage when they have to dig deep on their bench or get into shootouts.

A 6-6 guard with long limbs and plenty of bounce, Alexander-Walker checks the physical boxes the Raptors like to see fulfilled. With a larger opportunity, the Virginia Tech star will show once and for all that he was worth that first-round selection.