Raptors news: 3 Raps among Top 11 trade targets, CJ Miles' controversial take
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors are on the tip of everyone's tongue as the NBA Trade Deadline gets closer. Big-name trade chips like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby could help any number of contenders, and that fact is not lost on Masai Ujiri and a front office that needs to give this team a clear direction after years of mediocrity.
According to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, the Raptors have three of the top 11 trade pieces to target at the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline. Siakam and Anunoby take up the first two spots, respectively, with a trio of Bulls in Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Alex Caruso rounding out the top five.
Both Siakam and Anunoby have their values set at multiple first-round picks and a prospect despite their upcoming free agency. Interestingly, the Indiana Pacers were listed as a possible trade destination for both. Vecenie mentioned the Warriors and Hawks as teams who could want Siakam and the Thunder and Kings as Anunoby landing spots.
In an unusual twist, Gary Trent Jr. has been listed as the No. 11 player on this list, with teams like the Lakers and 76ers listed as teams who could be interested. Unfortunately, due to his poor play this season and impending free agency, Trent's value is only worth "multiple second-round picks" in Vecenie's eye.
Why does Dec. 15 matter so much in the NBA?
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 15, 2023
That’s the date many of the players who agreed to free-agent deals over the summer are eligible to be moved.
With that in mind, it’s time to launch the NBA Trade Deadline Big Board.
✍️ @Sam_Vecenie ⤵️https://t.co/JosyU13fr4
More Raptors news
- The Raptors are reportedly trying to acquire Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray, who just dropped 47 points, in any Pascal Siakam deal. However, as Kings writer James Ham claims, the Kings are reportedly not offering Murray in any trades. Monte McNair reportedly thinks Murray is an indelible part of their future.
- Former Raptors wing CJ Miles, who was traded to Memphis before Toronto's title-winning run, believes that Kawhi Leonard's exploits in making the team a champion are not enough to warrant a statue at Scotiabank Arena, saying the team has around him was good enough to win. While Leonard did join a tremendous Raptors team, he did take this team over the top.
Does Kawhi deserve a statue in Toronto? 🤔
— Tidal League (@TidalLeague) December 12, 2023
“It’s a lot of groundwork going into getting a statue. Like he kind of got handed stuff that was already there too. Not disrespecting what he did but if you go look at the other statues...”
- CJ Miles
(Via: Run Your Race) pic.twitter.com/RpnTYP3fT1
NBA News
- The Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant's latest attempt to build a superteam that can never play together due to injuries, got another rough update on guard Bradley Beal. The former Wizards star has been ruled out for "a few weeks" with an ankle injury. Given Phoenix's lack of depth, this could be a crushing blow.
- Phoenix appears to have signed a temporary replacement, signing point guard Theo Maledon to a two-way contract. Maledon, who spent time with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets, was recently waived after failing to develop the efficiency teams have been looking for.
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