Raptors news: Toronto "isn't there" on trade, Scottie Barnes tops 2021 Redraft

The Toronto Raptors' future is based squarely on the exploits of Scottie Barnes, which has only emboldened those who want to see a full-on rebuild take place. Masai Ujiri will need to give in to the trade rumors and move off either Pascal Siakam or OG Anunoby to make that future a reality.

While teams are banging down the doors in an attempt to get Siakam or Anunoby for themselves, there is no guarantee that Masai Ujiri actually pursues this line of thinking. After backing away from such a move last offseason, the Raptors may be no closer to such a trade.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski on a Threads Q-and-A, Toronto "isn't there" with regards to trading away either Siakam or Anunoby. Given both of their impending free agencies, Ujiri needs to figure out exactly what the situation is with both of them as soon as possible.

Even if they lead the Raptors to some extra victories this season, Toronto would be foolish to hold on to both of them and miss out on multiple promising young players and first-round draft picks. Time will tell if Ujiri and Bobby Webster come to that conclusion.

More Raptors news

• Bleacher Report's 2021 NBA Redraft had Raptors standout and possible 2023-24 All-Star Scottie Barnes going No. 1 overall at the very top of the order. Evan Mobley and Franz Wagner, originally picked third and eighth, respectively, rounded out the top five. Alperen Sengun jumped up to fourth overall with Cade Cunningham behind him at No. 5.
• The Raptors recorded an incredible 43 assists in their win against Washington, falling just short of their franchise record (which is also the highest in any game this season) of 44. Darko Rajakovic's "0.5 offense" has helped Toronto become the only team with 40 assists in a game this season, and they have done it twice.

NBA news

• Herb Kohl, a former United States senator and owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, passed away at the age of 88. Kohl purchased the team in 1985 in order to prevent the relocation and presided over the next three decades of Bucks basketball before eventually selling the team. The Giannis Antetokounmpo era began at the end of his stewardship.
• Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon suffered one of the more unusual injuries you'll see all season long. Gordon is currently away from the team after suffering cuts from a dog bite. Gordon needed 21 stitches on his shooting hand and face after the incident on Christmas Day.