5 Wild trades for Raptors to flip Bruce Brown into a star this summer

The Toronto Raptors started a rebuild this season. Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby were traded as the franchise looked to remake their roster around Scottie Barnes. It was a bold but necessary move. The Raptors were no longer contenders, and it was time to turn things over to the 22-year-old All-Star. They will be finding out which players fit for the remainder of the season.

Toronto wants to jump back into the playoffs quickly and will need a second star to make that a reality. Barnes had several options to recruit during All-Star weekend, but who can they convince to come to Canada?

The Raptors have a $23 million team option on Bruce Brown this summer. They will likely pick it up and attempt to trade him for a star. Multiple will be available, but what improbable move does Toronto pull off? Here are some wild options.

5. Raptors find Fred VanVleet replacement

Losing VanVleet in free agency hurt and getting zero return made it worse. Toronto signed Dennis Schroder and traded for Immanuel Quickley, but neither is a star point guard. Barnes can handle the ball and make plays, but the Raptors need multiple creators if they plan on jumping into the title picture.

The Hawks explored the market for Dejounte Murray, but could not find a suitable deal before the trade deadline. Expect him to be back on the market (subscription required) this summer. Atlanta needs a retool, and Murray could be a fantastic fit on the Raptors. The trade would likely look something like this.

Things have not gone as planned in Atlanta, but Murray was an All-Star as the Spurs' lead ball-handler in 2022. He averaged over nine assists, eight rebounds, and two steals per game. The 6’5 guard would fit nicely and maintain the team’s ability to switch on defense. Murray could help Scottie Barnes and the Raptors get back to the playoffs quickly.

This is far from an all-in move for the Toronto Raptors, and Masai Ujiri may decide to be aggressive this summer.