Grade the Trade: Raptors help Warriors land All-Star in blockbuster proposal

The Toronto Raptors have mostly concluded their business this summer. They have room on the roster for a couple more players but not a lot of salary flexibility; they will likely be shopping in the bargain bin among the remaining free agents. The one last major move they have to make is finding a trade partner for Bruce Brown.

Some trade possibilities would send Brown to a team that needs him; we explored a few of those earlier this week. Another angle to pursue, however, would be to use his contract to take on longer-term money to help make another transaction possible. The fact that Brown is on an expiring contract is valuable even to teams that don't otherwise need his services next year if they can get off of money for 2025-26.

The Raptors are unlikely to have meaningful cap space for the foreseeable future after Immanuel Quickley starts a new contract this summer and Scottie Barnes begins his deal next year. Taking on money for this year and next matters, but not as much as teams trying to use cap space next summer or navigate the first and second luxury tax aprons.

Which teams could the Raptors help out? One possibility is the team they beat in the NBA Finals in 2019.

The Raptors could help the Warriors salvage their summer

The Golden State Warriors have had a summer of mixed feelings. They missed out on Paul George and had to waive Chris Paul for nothing, then had to watch franchise legend Klay Thompson sign with the Dallas Mavericks. They responded with some solid working adding veterans like De'Anthony Melton, Kyle Anderson and Buddy Hield, but the big swing they were searching for never came to pass.

Is there still a chance for the Warriors to land an All-Star? And could the Raptors help make that happen? Let's take a look at a recent trade proposal and discuss how it could work for all parties.