Raptors Rapture
Fansided

Raptors rumors: 3 Cleveland Cavaliers players worth trading for

By Mike Luciano

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 26: Ricky Rubio #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 26: Ricky Rubio #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next

The Toronto Raptors must make it a necessity to look at every possible angle from which this roster can be improved. If that means trading with a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers, who could be a threat to their designs on Eastern Conference domination, then so be it.

The Cavs might look to jettison some of their bench this offseason, if the latest rumors from Sam Amico of Hoops Wire are to be believed. With the need to win now firmly established following the arrival of Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs need to make sure they are equipped with enough co-stars to get through the East.

The Cavaliers are likely going to resign Caris LeVert, meaning that they likely won’t have the flexibility needed to retain many of the stalwarts from last season. As a result, the Raptors could end up with an unexpected windfall of veteran players that helps turn their bench around.

These three Cavs players could give the Raptors some extra bench pieces, all without breaking the bank and costing an insane price to bring to town. Could we see one of them in Toronto by this time next year, or will Masai Ujiri again choose to be passive in the trade market?

Toronto Raptors rumors: 3 Cavaliers to trade for

3. PG Ricky Rubio

Rubio has two very cheap years left on his contract, meaning that the Raptors might be able to acquire him for pennies on the dollar. The backup point guard quandary is not going to go away unless the Raptors make a big-name acquisition, and Rubio would certainly qualify as one.

While he was poor last season, the Spanish sensation can lean on the fact that he was recovering from a very nasty knee injury last season. At full health, Rubio averaged 13.1 points and 6.6 assists per game with the Cavs. If the knee checks out, the Raptors could find some use for him.

The Toronto Raptors could target Ricky Rubio.

Rubio is a capable enough shooter and an excellent passer, making him a much better point guard than any non-Fred VanVleet option that is currently on the roster. If VanVleet is retained, Rubio seems like an affordable alternative that can come off the bench.

The Raptors have had interest in Rubio before, and they would not be looked at in a funny manner if they renewed their interest in him this time around. Rubio wouldn’t be a game-changer, but he can be one of the best bench players the Raptors have had in years if he is healthy.