The Toronto Raptors may be fresh off some spirited performances as they began a long West Coast road trip, but Masai Ujiri is likely well aware of the fact that this team is not going to compete for a championship if they simply roll out their current alignment. Trades may be in order.
While the resurgent Chris Boucher, Dalano Banton, and Khem Birch all call Toronto home, the odds of any one of those three factoring into the long-term plans have shrunk dramatically this season. The club’s next Canadian star may have to come from outside the organization.
The Gary Trent Jr. and Thad Young trades show that Masai Ujiri is willing to unturn every stone and go down all sorts of creative paths in search of a player that can turn Toronto into a winner. If that means getting some home Canadian cooking, that’s what Ujiri will do.
These four targets are not only native sons of Canada who may like the idea of returning home and suiting up for the nation’s lone team, but they are all solid role players that can either plug a short-term hole or become a part of the Raptors’ foundation.
Toronto Raptors trade rumors: 4 Canadian players to pursue.
4. Kelly Olynyk, Utah Jazz
While the Jazz have definitely been better than most expected, Danny Ainge is still looking at this team with an eye on the future. Olynyk, who was born in Toronto and graduated high school in Kamloops, could be an attractive veteran big to target after having a tremendous offensive season in Utah.
Olynyk is averaging 12.2 points per game, the second-highest mark of his career, while shooting 50% from the field and 41% from 3-point range. The Jazz might be willing to move Olynyk without requesting a first-round pick, putting him right in Toronto’s sweet spot.
Raptors trade rumors: Kelly Olynyk could give the team shooting.
The Raptors know Olynyk will not be an amazing defender at this stage in his career, but the resurgence of defensive ace Precious Achiuwa could provide enough cover to throw Olynyk out on the floor in bigger lineups and watch him flourish.
Olynyk has one year left on his deal at just over $12 million, which is not an outrageous price for someone that has put up the numbers he has amassed. The Raptors could get a quality veteran that this team lacks without having to dip too far into their draft capital pool.
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.
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.
1. Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers
This is the dream scenario, but this could come to fruition if the Blazers decide to make a win-now move that gets Damian Lillard some help. Currently blocked off from the starting lineup due to Lillard and Anfernee Simons, the Raptors would allow Sharpe to truly spread his wings.
The London-born Sharpe has averaged 7.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in his rookie season, drilling 47% of his shots overall and 34% of his 3-pointers. What really sets him apart, however, is his extraordinary athletic ability that is only going to be more exciting as he enters his athletic prime.
Raptors trade rumors: Shaedon Sharpe has star potential.
If the Blazers are interested in acquiring a player like OG Anunoby, Sharpe could be the player Toronto covets above all else in their generous return package. The former No. 7 pick is rough around the edges, but the Raptors are still one of the best teams in the league when it comes to development despite some recent hiccups.
If Sharpe’s 3-point shot takes just one notch forward and he stays as bouncy as he looked during the early stages of his Portland career, the Raptors could get in on the ground floor of a potential All-Star talent. Getting Sharpe for cheap over the next three seasons could help the Raptors build a quality offense despite doling out bigger contracts to their stars.