Pros and Cons of Raptors pursuing Tyler Herro in Damian Lillard talks

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 28: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat warms up ahead of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on March 28, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 24: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat dribbles while being defended by Precious Achiuwa #5 of the Toronto Raptors Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

Cons

The Raptors typically don’t acquire players unless they are convinced of their defensive potential, even if they might be poor on that end in the short term. However, the fact that Herro has consistently been one of the worst defenders in the NBA during his entire career could scare some teams away.

The $30 million average salary that is on Herro’s contract might be somewhat economical for a player of his caliber. Still, that salary is also so much that one of the Raptors’ more important starters would have to be sent away in a relatively noteworthy shake-up of a trade for this fantasy to become a reality.

The Toronto Raptors must worry about Tyler Herro.

Herro would also go against the Raptors’ stated directive to gradually put more on Scottie Barnes’ plate during the next few years. All the shots that would have been given to Barnes as a result of Fred VanVleet leaving the team would likely be transferred over to Herro.

For a Raptors team that many believe is farther away from contention than Masai Ujiri is willing to accept, the idea of giving up a solid player and more draft picks in what has already been an offseason full of change for a team lacking tons of capital could set off too many alarm bells.