Raptors have the perfect trade target thanks to Warriors' mistake

The Toronto Raptors need to invest in 3-and-D wings to build out a competitive roster.

They have a two-way point forward in Scottie Barnes as the foundation. They have some on-ball creators they hope to grow into stars in Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett. The rest of their perimeter players, however, can either play effective defense (Bruce Brown, Davion Mitchell, Jamal Shead, perhaps Ochai Agbaji) or are solid shooters (Gradey Dick and...well, that's about it) but not both.

If the Raptors want to maximize their lineup versatility and have the right role players to deploy in a playoff series, they need to find at least one 3-and-D wing who can both capably space the floor and defend opposing wings. RJ Barrett is a bit overqualified for the role, and Gradey Dick has a lot of room for growth defensively to be up to the task.

Barring an unexpected leap forward from Ochai Agbaji this year, or Jamal Shead growing five inches, the Raptors need to find a 3-and-D wing somewhere outside of the roster. They could wait and try to draft one, or sign one in free agency, but both of those routes will take a full season to be realized.

The Raptors can trade for a 3-and-D wing

That leaves the trade market, and a number of players could be available to target. Rebuilding teams with veteran options would be logical trade partners, whether that's someone like Dorian Finney-Smith on the Brooklyn Nets or Torrey Craig on the Chicago Bulls, both of whom check the "D" box a bit more than the "3" box.

Trading for a veteran gives proven production but no real room for growth, and it shortens the window for that palyer making an impact. Ideally, the Raptors would find a player who can join the team now, has a long career ahead of them, and has room to grow into an even more impactful player.

Enter the Golden State Warriors.