The Toronto Raptors have an extra future first round pick from the Andrea Bargnani trade with the New York Knicks that they can flip to acquire an established player to improve their title chances this season.
The Raptors have an excellent offense but could use another rim protector on defense.
“You read about it and hear about the East, the East, the East,” Ujiri said. “And you have to think about it sometimes. Is this a rare time? Is this period — the next year or two — something we have to take advantage of?”
Ujiri was asked if the Raptors would consider dealing their first rounder ahead of the deadline.
“That’s a question I can’t answer,” Ujiri said. “It depends on what’s there. But I won’t make decisions that are going to shorten our growth and help us only this year.”
