3 Realistic ways the Toronto Raptors can roar back to life in the East

No. 2: Trade Bruce Brown for a shooting forward

Bruce Brown was recently named the player in the NBA most likely to be traded this season, and it's no secret that the Raptors have been and will continue to be shopping him. The question therefore becomes who they get back in such a trade and that player's ability to help the team win in the present.

Toronto could find a trade partner for Brown who sends back matching salary and draft capital and keep their gaze focused on the future. They could also trade him for a player at another position who can step in and help them compete in the here and now. That ideal type of player would be a combo forward who can shoot.

For example, one trade idea that has been floated around is the Golden State Warriors trading Andrew Wiggins, under contract for another three seasons, for Brown's expiring deal. The Raptors would have a real forward to pair with Scottie Barnes who can defend and space the court.

Another option would be Atlanta and De'Andre Hunter, who is not much of a shooter but is a negative contract who would come with draft compensation, and could fill a positional need while the Raptors rehabillitate his value. Could they attach a draft pick to Brown and add Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets?

There are plenty of options, and for the Raptors to maximize this season they will need to be precise with who they target in a Bruce Brown trade.