The Toronto Raptors are dangerously close to taking the ultimate risk at this year's NBA trade deadline...Nothing. It felt like a foregone conclusion that the Raps would make a splashy move before Thursday afternoon's trade deadline; they were connected to Anthony Davis, Domantas Sabonis, and plenty of other big names.
But as night falls on Wednesday, the Raptors' biggest move so far has been trading Ochai Agbaji to save some money, and acquiring (then promptly waiving) Chris Paul. Plus, Anthony Davis is now off the market after his trade to the Washington Wizards, Coby White is a Charlotte Hornet, talks have stalled between the Raptors and Kings on Sabonis, and all seems quiet on the Northern front.
Is that splashy move still coming, or is the front office's lack of moves an indicator that it trusts the roster as currently constructed? The closer we get to Thursday, the more it feels like the latter.
Raptors are getting close to standing pat at trade deadline
In trade deadline time, 21 hours is a lifetime. As of writing this article, we're about 21 hours away from the final buzzer sounding, and plenty of rumors will be born, live a whole life, and die in those hours. In other words, the real chaos probably hasn't even started yet, and the Raptors still have plenty of time to get something done.
In the meantime, though, it doesn't sound like Bobby Webster is being the aggressor in trade talks, leading me to believe he likes the Raptors roster. There's a lot to like! The team is No. 4 in the East!
But with so many players available who would instantly make the Raptors better and shore up some of the deficiencies that have haunted them all year, standing pat would be a tough sell to fans who expected to see some new faces next week.
This team hasn't had a chance to prove what it can do in the postseason yet. I understand that — and if that's the mindset of Webster and the rest of the decision-makers, it's hard to loathe them for it.
But this team's needs aren't a mystery; it's pretty clear through half a season where this team thrives (elite defensive versatility and movement, scoring in transition) and where this team struggles (half-court offense). So if the needs are already clear — and they are — it feels silly to "wait and see."
This team has clear needs, and there are players out there who can address them. Not pursuing them could cost the Raptors a golden chance at a deep playoff run.