4 Trade targets the Raptors can go after thanks to a new rule
The Toronto Raptors could take advantage of a new rule to improve their roster.
The league's new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) changed a lot of things about how business is conducted, from introducing the second luxury tax apron to adjusting the timing of contract negotiations. One new rule of note for the Raptors is that teams can now use their Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception not only to sign new players but to take them back in a trade as well.
With much of the league over the luxury tax line, using cap space or not wanting to take on money, the Raptors are one of the few teams positioned to consider using the exception. It would allow them to bring back a player making up to the amount of the MLE this year, about $12.9 million, without sending back any salary. That could make it less expensive to go after a player, or set them up to take on a player another team is trying to move in a deal.
What players are making close to the MLE this year and could be potential trade targets? While the MLE could be used for a player making any amount less than $12.9 million, let's specifically look at players making north of $11 million where taking them back without sending matching salary would be significantly valuable to the trading team.
We'll start with a big man who could fill out their rotation in a meaningful way.
No. 4: Larry Nance Jr., $11.20 million
Jakob Poeltl has proven to be a solid defensive fit next to Scottie Barnes for the Toronto Raptors, but offensively his inability to space the court limits their ceiling. Kelly Olynyk solves the offensive issue but as a significant negative on defense. Larry Nance Jr. could split the difference.
The Atlanta Hawks took on the veteran big in the Dejounte Murray trade but don't necessarily have a need for him, not with Clint Capela, Onyeka Okongwu and Cody Zeller all in tow and combo bigs like Mouhamed Gueye and Dominick Barlow needing developmental time. With the Hawks flying close to the luxury tax sun, moving off of Nance would give them real breathing room to make other moves.
Nance shot 41.5 percent from 3-point range last season, albeit on limited attempts, but he is willing to take them. Defensively he excels in a switching scheme, which should work well with Scottie Barnes as well. He is a strong rebounder and underrated passer and would provide solid veteran minutes at the 5 behind Poeltl. It's an intriguing idea if the Raptors get into the season and decide they need to address the center position to help them win this year.