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3 sign-and-trade targets Raptors must pursue in Fred VanVleet talks

By Mike Luciano

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 03: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors drives during the first half at Toyota Center (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 03: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors drives during the first half at Toyota Center (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors, Grayson Allen
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 17: Grayson Allen #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2. Grayson Allen, Milwaukee Bucks

Allen is one of the most polarizing players in the league, and his villainous persona has undoubtedly turned some Raptors fans against him. Acquiring him may be the unfortunate reality Toronto fans are faced with, especially if Milwaukee is intent on building a nightmare defensive backcourt.

VanVleet reuniting with Adrian Griffin and teaming with Jrue Holiday in the backcourt might make Milwaukee one of the toughest teams to face in the league. Allen is a solid shooter who at least gives effort on the defensive end, and those skills could make for a semi-adequate swap as Toronto gets younger and cheaper.

Can the Toronto Raptors land a shooter like Grayson Allen?

Allen not only averaged over 10 points per game despite a relatively paltry workload on the offensive end and the Mike Budenhozler system requiring a very even distribution of minutes, but he did so while shooting 40% from 3-point range. Milwaukee’s upcoming salary crunch might make it tough to retain him long-term.

Allen’s success will be determined by his feistiness and durability, as last season was the first time he played more than 66 games in a single campaign during his pro career. A healthy Allen will be a nuisance for Raptors fans and opponents alike, but the shooting could make up for it.