The Toronto Raptors and Portland Trail Blazers might end up consummating a huge trade that forces both of these franchises to make huge pivots in their long-term directions. The Raptors are eyeing a retool that could see them change their entire roster, while the Blazers want to build around Damian Lillard.
The Raptors have seen two of their biggest names in All-Defensive wing OG Anunoby and star forward Pascal Siakam end up in the rumor mill of late, and Portland seems like a place where they could begin the second act of their respective careers as a co-star next to Lillard.
While the Raptors will likely use these talks as a means to acquire the No. 3 pick, if they progress to that stage, they should also try everything in their power to make sure the return package of players that is being sent back adequately compensates them for one of their two studs.
The Raptors shouldn’t finalize any sort of deal with the Blazers unless these three players are confirmed to be coming back to Toronto as compensation. The Raptors can set themselves up for success in the near future by pulling off one of these deals.
3. Trendon Watford
Watford is an unusual player, or perhaps one from another time. A 6-9 player who can man both forward spots, Watford is at home in the paint with his back to the basket. The former LSU product has managed to latch on as a forward with Portland, partially due to their lack of depth.
Watford averaged 7.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, but what could really get teams like Toronto interested in his services is the fact he made an obscene 56% of his shots from the floor. The Raptors could swap out one of their underperforming PFs for the consistent Watford.
Trendon Watford could help the Toronto Raptors’ bench.
Thad Young appears to be as good as gone, while Chris Boucher might be able to sweeten the pot for Portland in any sort of trade talks. Watford is the type of player that Ujiri would typically prioritize in the draft or throw a ton of money at on the open market.
Watford’s finishing would be much appreciated, making him more than a throw-in on a deal that would make salaries match up. The Raptors might be able to bring Watford into an environment that further develops his all-around game more than Portland.