Pros and Cons of the Toronto Raptors pursuing Damian Lillard trade
By Mike Luciano
Verdict
The Raptors need to consider going all-in on Lillard, provided that Barnes and Siakam are not going to be in the return package. If they can create an Anunoby-centric package, the Raptors could become a contender for years to come with Lillard at the tip of the spear.
While he is getting long in the tooth, his expert 3-point shooting should help his style of play age quite gracefully. Lillard is owed a ton of money in the next few years, which could make for some financially precarious decisions, but this is the best way to massively improve this team in a short span of time.
The Toronto Raptors could thrive with Damian Lillard.
The Raptors are not going to be a marquee free agent destination, and this core is likely not going to be bad enough to bottom out for top picks every single year. If fans want Ujiri to pick a direction, wouldn’t this be an emphatic declaration of his intentions with this team?
The risks are obvious, as a disgruntled, aging salary cap anchor could be enough to sink this team. Still, Ujiri has had success in the past with going all-in. Lillard’s pedigree and game-changing clutch shot-making would be enough to get the Raptors out of the doldrums and back on track.