The Toronto Raptors remade their roster this season. Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby were traded leaving Scottie Barnes as the team’s unquestioned star and building block. The 22-year-old is having a breakout third NBA season. Barnes earned his first All-Star appearance and is quickly becoming one of the best two-way stars in the league.
He became just the ninth Raptor ever to make the All-Star team. Having a young star on their roster is a massive advantage. Toronto needs to use it and keep improving things around the 6’7 forward.
All-Star weekend is filled with action and presents a unique opportunity for the players. All of the league’s top talents are in one place and certainly some recruiting happens. Scottie Barnes should try to convince these All-Stars to join him in Toronto.
6. Trae Young
Ice Trae was an All-Star injury replacement like Barnes, and the offseason trade rumors (subscription required) are already beginning to circulate. The Hawks are under .500 and clinging to the final Play-In Tournament berth in the East. They stood pat at the deadline, but another disappointing season likely leads to changes. Atlanta could put Young on the trade block in hopes of getting a massive haul.
The Raptors got Immanuel Quickley from the Knicks in the OG Anunoby deal, but he is best suited as a sixth man. Toronto could use a starting point guard and has length on the wing to mitigate Young’s defensive issues. He is one of the best offensive engines in the NBA and could jumpstart the Raptors, who sit 20th in offensive rating.
Trae Young is not the perfect fit, but he would give the Toronto Raptors a second young star to build around. The franchise wants to get back to contention and may decide they need someone capable of making a positive impact on both ends of the floor.