Raptors Rapture
Fansided

4 desperate teams who could overpay for Raptors’ stars in trade

By Mike Luciano

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 12: Austin Rivers #25 of the Denver Nuggets strips the ball from Fred VanVleet (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 12: Austin Rivers #25 of the Denver Nuggets strips the ball from Fred VanVleet (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Toronto Raptors, Fred VanVleet
Jan 22, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) shoots the ball as New York Knicks guard Quentin Grimes (6) defends Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

2. New York Knicks

Blathering on about how this team is finally turning the corner is nothing new for Knicks fans, but they may have a bit more substance behind those boasts this season. Julius Randle is balling, Jalen Brunson has been worth every penny of his contract, and RJ Barrett is coming into his own.

The Knicks have been hoarding first-round picks in order to acquire a disgruntled star seeking to move to the biggest market in the league (which has happened exactly twice in the last 25 years, but still). Amid some links to names like Anunoby, the Knicks may try to engage their Atlantic rivals on some potential deals.

Will the New York Knicks make a deal with the Toronto Raptors?

The Raptors likely won’t consider engaging with New York unless they can bring back one of either Obi Toppin or Immanuel Quickley, with the latter a much more desirable prospect. Role players like Isaiah Hartenstein and Cam Reddish could be used to sweeten the deal.

The Knicks may make it to the postseason this year, but this roster has too many very clear holes right now to be taken seriously as a potential contender. Some Raptors fans might not like the idea of trading a top asset to a rival like New York, but an aggressive James Dolan could be the reason New York drops a king’s ransom on one of Toronto’s best.