Beginning December 15, a total of 85 NBA players who signed as free agents during the offseason will become eligible trade candidates.
As we approach nearly two months into the 2024-25 NBA season, teams across the league have gained a clearer understanding of their trajectories moving forward. They are either competitive teams with genuine playoff aspirations, young rebuilding squads with a vision for the future, or a mix of disappointing and lackluster NBA units in between.
Thus, December 15 marks a critical date for NBA teams, as trade restrictions on many players will be lifted. This change allows teams to either part ways with expendable talent, seek valuable rotational pieces, or accomplish both housekeeping tasks altogether.
In the case of the Toronto Raptors, it is reasonable to anticipate that they will engage in trade discussions between the December 15 date and the NBA trade deadline in February.
However, as the December 15 date approaches this weekend, only two Raptors players are included in the list of eligible talent.
2 Raptors who become trade elligible starting Dec. 15
Garrett Temple
One of the NBA's most storied journeymen and esteemed locker room veterans is Garrett Temple, a guard for the Toronto Raptors.
Temple would bring his dapper gentleman flair to the Toronto Raptors as a free agent in the summer of 2023, signing a one-year veteran minimum deal.
Temple would not be incorporated as a focal point in the rotation, appearing in only 27 games during the 2023-24 season, where he averaged 3.3 points in just over ten minutes per night.
Temple would re-sign with Toronto for another one-year deal valued at just over $3 million, further solidifying his role as the Raptors' seasoned veteran. He has barely suited up this season; however, he earned the Raptors' "lockdown king" crown after his impressive 11 minute performance against the Pacers on November 18, which included two steals and one block.
It's evident that Garrett Temple serves a role on the Toronto Raptors that extends beyond merely putting on the uniform each night. His presence as a seasoned veteran and respected leader is crucial for a young, rebuilding Raptors core. Consequently, it is likely that Temple will continue with the Toronto Raptors unless his modest contract becomes absolutely necessary to facilitate a significant move.
Bruno Fernando
It's this member of the Raptors roster who sparks a bit more intrigue.
Bruno Fernando joined the Toronto Raptors earlier this offseason, signing a non-guaranteed contract. The agreement remained in effect until a decision is made to waive the Angolan center on or before the first day of the regular season.
However, the two parties later reached an agreement stating that the contract would remain non-guaranteed until the NBA-wide salary guarantee deadline in January. Thus, Fernando has been spending his time on the Raptors' bench, donning the uniform on rare occasions as the team's big man reserve.
In his limited sample size, Fernando has proven his value as a reliable defensive anchor and an imposing presence in the paint, both of which generate significant intrigue.
Recent NBA Insider reports indicate that several contending teams may be interested in acquiring Bruno Fernando, thanks to the flexibility of his contract.
His inconsistent role in the Raptors' rotation suggests that Bruno Fernando may be an expendable asset. It is likely that he will either be waived before the guaranteed salary deadline in January or that another NBA team will take on his contract by acquiring him through a trade.
However, considering his modest contract of just over $2 million, don't anticipate a substantial return for the 26-year-old center.