RealGM

As we near the trade deadline, I'm just going to ask, do the Raptors need to make a trade? Now, I am emphasing 'need' here. To me, if the Raptors want to make some noise in the playoffs this year, they need to make a deal. BUT if the Raptors are just content w/ making the playoffs and looking for their youth (Bargs, Caldy, Bosh, Ford) to continue to grow and lead the team in the playoffs, than they don't need to make a trade. If BC just wants his young team to soak in the experience of playing in the playoffs, then a trade doesn't seem likely. What I am saying, is that the Raptors need to make a deal to help propel them to winning a rd. or 2 in the playoffs. We have discussed at length the potential trades that can happen.

Here are some guys that I believe can help the Raptors:

-the re-acquistion of Charlie Villanueva (not b/c he's a fan favorite, but because he can HELP the team win games off the bench)

-Mickael Pietrus

-Francisco Elson

-Mikki Moore

-Kurt Thomas

-Devean George

-Shelden Williams/Chuck Hayes

-Ryan Gomes/Ike Diogu

These are all guys who I believe bring something different to this team. Let's face it, these guys may not be upgrades over our current players, but I think these guys bring consistency and energy, something that I think we're lacking. Delfino/Kapono/Graham all are very inconsistent. Basically, we have an inconsistent bench on top of an average starting 5. We're not going to win many games in the playoffs w/ our currently constructed roster. I think we should consider getting any of these guys. All of the players mentioned above are attainable and assets that are valuable. Which is something that BC likes. Just answer the question, Do you feel we need to make changes mid-season? Yes, for me, how about you?

If Colangelo is'nt thinking about a trade right now with all of these quality players moving to the West then he's not doing his job.

I wouldn't mind the thought of getting a Jermaine O'Neal and having a 2nd unit with O'Neal and Ford. We would have a one two punch with Calderon and Bosh.

I wouldn't want to trade Bargnani however, so the odds the Raps pull a big trigger near the deadline isn't good. I would love to trade Kapono for some rebounding help.

We don't need any tweeners. Ryan Gomes is a undrsized but polished player, I would however trade for Ike Diogu. Huge wingspan, he could be useful on the defensive end.

Do the Raptors NEED to deal? No. But I think you're missing the big picture. This time of the year everyone's looking to trade and when a team sees a trade that helps their team--they do it. If not, they decline. The Raptors may pursue these players but only if it makes our team better.

It sounds simple and stupid but that's what it is and your question has no answer.

I'd like Calderon gone asap.

^I agree w/ you AB_21. I'm just stating that I think the Raptors need to make a deal. Now, if there are no such players that can help the Raptors--which I don't think is the case--then a deal does not have to be made. I am saying that there are players out there that can help the Raptors. Now, it may not be for specific needs, but it's talent nonetheless. Any team can always look to improve and I think the Raptors need a little jolt of new-found energy to the team.

icoholic wrote:I'd like Calderon gone asap.

Are you insane? Calderon is one of the league's purest point guards next to Chris Paul and is the heart and soul of the Toronto Raptors.

He could be joking you know.

McFurious1 wrote:-= original quote snipped =-



Are you insane? Calderon is one of the league's purest point guards next to Chris Paul and is the heart and soul of the Toronto Raptors.

Chris Paul a pure pg? oooook


Calderon is a Spainish Brevin Knight.

^^Guys let's get back on topic now.

icoholic wrote:-= original quote snipped =-



Chris Paul a pure pg? oooook


Calderon is a Spainish Brevin Knight.

Brevin Knight? Try Calderon > Deron Williams

come on guys calderon had one relatively below average game today..u're bashing him already...he's the best back-up point guard in the world..

he's doing his job....

now, lets talk about AP shooting 2/8 in the game

This is not a Calderon thread, this is a thread about the Raptors team and its decision on pulling the trigger as trade deadline nears.

Exactly, and the thought of trading Calderon should be considered.

McFurious1 wrote:-= original quote snipped =-



Brevin Knight? Try Calderon > Deron Williams

lawl, thanks for my new sig.

icoholic wrote:-= original quote snipped =-




lawl, thanks for my new sig.

Nice... it'll be great to tell you I told you so.

I think it'll be bad for this team to deal Calderon at this juncture, McFurious1. Maybe during the offseason but not now. If we were deal Jose now, what kind of value do you think we'll get back? Josh Smith?

Mr.Raptorsingh wrote:This is not a Calderon thread, this is a thread about the Raptors team and its decision on pulling the trigger as trade deadline nears.

It's a silly question. This team hovers around .500. Obviously it needs to get better. Since there are no free agents or great draft picks, yes... they need to make a deal.

Was there a follow-up question?

First, Calderon could have been traded for a slasher at one point this season. But now with Ford's concerns, if the Raps want to compete in the playoffs Jose will have to be there.

Second, yes. This team could use a jolt of energy. No doubt about that. The question is...who do we give up and will that person fit into the rotation. I can't see Colangelo messing around with the core players of our team unless a Gasol-like trade approaches the Raps. Right now, this team is good enough to compete. They can win a playoff series...maybe two. The key for the Raptors is to find a rhythm. Call me crazy but I feel like it might come during our west coast swing.

I think we're one good deal from becoming a top tier Eastern Conference team... And also the loss of one player away from being a lottery team... we're on a very fine line between a good team and a bad team...

That being said I think we need one effective, quality player at one of our positions of need, rather than a couple of scrubs we acquire for Dixon+Joey....