The Toronto Raptors pulled off a shocking trade for Brandon Ingram on the eve of the deadline. It was surprising to see a 16-win team that is 5.5 games out of the Play-In Tournament land an All-Star, but Masai Ujiri seized an opportunity to upgrade his roster at a reasonable cost.
The Raptors have totally remade their roster since the start of the 2023-24 season. It started with trading OG Anunoby to the Knicks. Just a few weeks later, Toronto sent Pascal Siakam to the Pacers. It was a stunning deal that brought Bruce Brown, Kira Lewis Jr., Jordan Nwora, and three first-round picks to the Raps. Fans may not have loved it at the moment, but it has improved over time.
Ujiri wasted little time in realizing that return. The latest trade for Ingram has finalized what the franchise actually got for their two-time All-Star. Here is a closer look.
Full details of the Raptors haul for Pascal Siakam
Toronto flipped Kira Lewis Jr. and the 2024 first-round draft pick that ended up 29th overall with Otto Porter Jr. to get Ochai Agbaji and Kelly Olynyk before the 2024 trade deadline. Agbaji is still on their roster. Olynyk was flipped in the Ingram trade, which just further clarifies the return for Siakam.
The Raptors picked up Brandon Ingram, Jordan Nwora, Agbaji, and the 19th overall pick in 2024. They drafted Ja’Kobe Walter with the selection. That is a solid haul for Siakam, especially with him being traded as he was headed toward free agency. Getting an All-Star, a young talent, and a first-round pick is more than Toronto just gave up to land Brandon Ingram.
Nwora finished the 2023-24 season with the Raptors before heading overseas. He currently plays for Anadolu Efes in Turkey.
Toronto hopes Walter turns into a key rotation piece to make their return look even better. It was surprising to see Masai flip Bruce Brown into Ingram. It was a good bit of business, even if the move does not fit the Raptors' current goals.
Toronto must sign Ingram to keep him beyond this season. He could not land an extension from the Pelicans but gained leverage with this trade. The Raptors gave up a first-round pick to get BI. They will likely keep him for multiple years and continue to improve their return for Siakam.
The Toronto Raptors are still building around Scottie Barnes. Who are the core pieces? How do they fit? The Brandon Ingram trade creates new questions but unquestionably improves their talent. Making it fit is the next step, but the franchise has time. They just cannot waste it.