For several weeks now, the rumor mill has been buzzing with key NBA names linked to the Toronto Raptors as potential targets. For example, before Trae Young headed to the Wizards, his name was floating around Toronto’s radar. Other guards like LaMelo Ball and Ja Morant were also supposedly in the mix, along with big men targets such as Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis.
The rationale behind many of these moves makes sense, especially when it comes to bolstering star power on the roster. Likewise, they could also help address the ongoing issues with the team's overall balance, like improving the frontcourt and finding a more refined point guard to replace Immanuel Quickley. Although, to be fair, Quickley's recent play might put a damper on that idea.
Rewinding to that point about star power and the idea of making another big splash move — similar to their Brandon Ingram get last February — reports began emerging that Raptors GM Bobby Webster could be facing some win-now pressure. That definitely helps explain why so many names were swirling around the rumor mill.
But here we are, just over a week later, and the latest insider reports seem to indicate a shift in that supposed pressure.
Raptors likely to take a patient approach ahead of trade deadline
In a detailed insider report by Sportsnet's Michael Grange, there’s a quote he obtained directly from Keith Pelley, the president of MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment), in which he revealed:
"There is no pressure regarding the trade deadline or his [Bobby Webster's] contract. And he is 100 per cent aware of that. The team is moving in the right direction and I’m convinced that Bobby will make the right moves, at the right time, to make us better. This team under Bobby’s direction, will contend for championships."Keith Pelley via Michael Grange
Hearing that line “no pressure” straight from Webster’s boss probably suggests — whether it’s just a smokescreen or not — that Raptors fans can rest assured the team won’t be rushing into anything. After all, if the boss’s word is anything to go by, Webster’s job and reputation aren’t about to be on the line just to make a quick move for the sake of it.
Based on what I and many other contributors here at Raptors Rapture have shared in our individual pieces, there's a lot of intrigue around boosting Toronto's star power. But the real question is: at what cost? Yes, Toronto could cut loose from their costly contracts — like the uncertain Jakob Poeltl and the rollercoaster ride that is Immanuel Quickley — if any team in the league is actually willing to take on their money.
But as my colleague Daniel O’Connor pointed out in his piece a while back, when this core is healthy and at full strength, they’ve been genuinely fun to watch. Figuring out how to address the roster’s kinks isn’t out of the question. Of course, figuring out how to address the roster’s kinks isn’t out of the question. Grange also brings this up, noting Toronto’s desire to get under the tax threshold by flipping Ochai Agbaji’s contract in search of a solid big man — with names like Day’Ron Sharpe and Goga Bitadze floating around.
February 5 can’t come soon enough, and then we’ll finally get a clear answer on what the Raptors really have up their sleeve.