The Toronto Raptors are off to a hot start this season, but point guard remains a weakness. Could they pull off this trade for talented guard LaMelo Ball?
The Raptors have proven over the years that they love to sniff around any star player who hits the trade market. Their name came up with Kevin Durant over the summer, with Anthony Davis a few weeks ago, and now it is being mentioned alongside new rumors that LaMelo Ball might want out of Charlotte -- or perhaps, that the Hornets are ready for LaMelo to be out of Charlotte.
Two things can be true about LaMelo Ball at the same time. He was an All-Star at just 20 years old, a feat only accomplished by all-time great players. When he plays, the Hornets are significantly better than when he is out. On the other hand, he also misses half of every season dealing with injuries, is inconsistent on defense, and jacks up wild 3-pointers like he gets a bonus point if the shot is insane.
Could the Raptors use some insanity in their life? They have had a strong start to the season; Brandon Ingram is finding his groove, Scottie Barnes has taken another step forward, and the bench is humming. The one place this team doesn't feel settled is at point guard, where Immanuel Quickley has been fine -- not a disaster by any means, but also not the guaranteed solution that Toronto thought that he would be when they handed him a massive contract in restricted free agency.
Would swapping Quickley for Ball work for both sides? Let's build out a trade and see whether it makes sense for Toronto to make -- and if Charlotte would say yes.
Grade the Trade: Raptors trade for LaMelo Ball
Immanuel Quickley makes $32.5 million this season, $5.4 million less than LaMelo Ball. That makes a deal between the two teams relatively easy to balance. The obvious place to draw a small additional salary from is the Raptors' glut of bench shooting guards; between Ochai Agbaji, Ja'Kobe Walter, Gradey Dick and Jamison Battle, the Raptors can afford to move one in this deal.
Let's say Gradey Dick is the selection; the Raptors seem to value Walter's upside more, and Dick is closer to needing to be paid. Toronto might feel that Dick plus Quickley is enough to get a deal done, but the opinion around the league is that Quickley is overpaid on his current deal, meaning his value in a trade is somewhat diminished (not to say that Ball's is not given his injury issues). Adding a protected first-round pick completes the deal.
Here is the final construction:
The Hornets replace LaMelo Ball with Quickley, a better defender and off-ball player to balance with rookie star Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller. Dick profiles as a long-term bench shooter and still has some upside to be more. The pick adds to their supply just as they are likely to be pushing for the playoffs once more.
For Toronto, does this deal make sense? The downside risk is obviously enormous. Quickley plays hard and is highly competitive; LaMelo Ball's reputation in that area is inconsistent. Ball also has a significant injury track record; is that something that can be put behind him, or will his career fall apart on the Raptors' dime?
The offensive upside is massive; Ball has exceptional passing vision and can get up a high volume of 3-pointers, which is a valuable skill. The Raptors' fast-moving halfcourt offense could be a better ecosystem for him, and his ability to dazzle in transition pairs nicely with the roster's lean into steals and impact defense.
Should the Raptors make this trade? It's not the safe option, and the front office may still believe in untapped potential for Quickley. It's a massive risk -- but it comes with some tantalizing upside. The value is solid, so if Toronto decides they are comfortable with the injury risk, this is a deal to consider.
Grade: B