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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Lu Dort, Toronto Raptors
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 20: Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

2. Lu Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder

Trading Dort might seem like a rash move from Oklahoma City, as they just signed him to a five-year contract. However, the backcourt duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey may have opened up the Thunder’s contention window sooner than expected. Presti has more than enough picks and players to swing a huge trade.

Dort is a defense-first wing with a tireless motor, exceptional physicality for someone his size, and genuine versatility. Over the last two seasons, the 23-year-old Montreal-born Dort has averaged 15.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while making 34% of his 3-point attempts.

Raptors trade rumors: Lu Dort is a strong two-way guard.

If the Thunder think they are one piece away from competing when Chet Holmgren returns, why wouldn’t they get in on the Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent, or OG Anunoby sweepstakes? If such a situation was to come to fruition, Dort would likely be the player Toronto targets above all others.

While Dort is never going to be the most efficient offensive player, he can shoot well enough and consistently score in double digits while being a menace on the defensive end. With a somewhat weak free agent class coming up, Toronto would do well to grab a new Sixth Man for the future in Dort.