Trade Deadline Discussion & Rumours - Raptors and NBA

[WuTang_CMB]

https://theathletic.com/3102256/2022/02/07/nba-power-rankings-raptors-climb-up-playoff-hopefuls-tier-plus-nba-trade-deadline-buyers-and-sellers/

12. Toronto Raptors (Previously 15th), 28-23, +1.3 net rating
Weekly slate: Win at Hawks, Win over Heat, Win over Bulls, Win over Hawks

Should they be buyers or sellers? Sellers. Stick with me on this. I simply mean this from the standpoint of trying to find a home for Goran Dragic, and hopefully not just having to resort to waiving him and getting nothing in return as he moves to the buyout market. The Raptors are in a pretty good position. They’ve played pretty good basketball as of late. Their core is pretty much young enough that you should want to just see how they react and adapt to the rest of this campaign. Then you tinker in the offseason. I don’t think there is a move that puts them over the top, and I wouldn’t want to give up anyone from the core. So the answer is really neither, unless you’re shopping Dragic and able to move him for anything.

Who should be on the move? Other than Dragic? I wouldn’t move anybody. Everybody else is either deeply involved as a core member, or they don’t move the needle enough to feel like you’re truly upgrading the team by putting them out there on the market. That doesn’t mean guys can’t be included in deals for Dragic, but I just like the idea of Masai Ujiri standing pat with the core.

we have a solid starting 5 and more importantly a solid closing 5. any trade involving the pick must be to improve one of those 5 spots; and barring a major trade; nothing will move the needle. i dont want to trade a 1st to improve the 7th spot in rotation.

Another thing - margins are so slim right now all these teams are bunched up. We could easily face any team in the first round and be out. Keeping our first is important in order to keep adding. Trading it away for a 6/7 rotation guy who you will have to spend big money on shortly just doesnt add up for me.

Patience is the key this deadline. Get rid of Dragic. Keep Boucher. Look into buyout market for bench help if we cant get any through dragic trade.

Giving up our FRP this year is risky because if we hit a skid, we could easily be back in a play in spot. Then Lose in the first round. We got nothing to show for it come the draft. Dont think Masai takes that risk THIS SEASON.

I'm all for making noise this year but methinks masai stays patient and gets a value low cost trade / picks someone up from buyout.

[mtcan]

https://theathletic.com/3102256/2022/02/07/nba-power-rankings-raptors-climb-up-playoff-hopefuls-tier-plus-nba-trade-deadline-buyers-and-sellers/

we have a solid starting 5 and more importantly a solid closing 5. any trade involving the pick must be to improve one of those 5 spots; and barring a major trade; nothing will move the needle. i dont want to trade a 1st to improve the 7th spot in rotation.

Another thing - margins are so slim right now all these teams are bunched up. We could easily face any team in the first round and be out. Keeping our first is important in order to keep adding. Trading it away for a 6/7 rotation guy who you will have to spend big money on shortly just doesnt add up for me.

Patience is the key this deadline. Get rid of Dragic. Keep Boucher. Look into buyout market for bench help if we cant get any through dragic trade.

Giving up our FRP this year is risky because if we hit a skid, we could easily be back in a play in spot. Then Lose in the first round. We got nothing to show for it come the draft. Dont think Masai takes that risk THIS SEASON.

I'm all for making noise this year but methinks masai stays patient and gets a value low cost trade / picks someone up from buyout.

If the rumblings have any truth to them...Masai is shopping Dragic plus a first round pick...just curious as to what that kind of package gets us...

[Kingsway_fan]

https://theathletic.com/3102256/2022/02/07/nba-power-rankings-raptors-climb-up-playoff-hopefuls-tier-plus-nba-trade-deadline-buyers-and-sellers/

12. Toronto Raptors (Previously 15th), 28-23, +1.3 net rating
Weekly slate: Win at Hawks, Win over Heat, Win over Bulls, Win over Hawks

Should they be buyers or sellers? Sellers. Stick with me on this. I simply mean this from the standpoint of trying to find a home for Goran Dragic, and hopefully not just having to resort to waiving him and getting nothing in return as he moves to the buyout market. The Raptors are in a pretty good position. They’ve played pretty good basketball as of late. Their core is pretty much young enough that you should want to just see how they react and adapt to the rest of this campaign. Then you tinker in the offseason. I don’t think there is a move that puts them over the top, and I wouldn’t want to give up anyone from the core. So the answer is really neither, unless you’re shopping Dragic and able to move him for anything.

Who should be on the move? Other than Dragic? I wouldn’t move anybody. Everybody else is either deeply involved as a core member, or they don’t move the needle enough to feel like you’re truly upgrading the team by putting them out there on the market. That doesn’t mean guys can’t be included in deals for Dragic, but I just like the idea of Masai Ujiri standing pat with the core.

Pretty much sums up what management and most fans think...

Other than Goran, the pieces we can trade are of little value to others:
BIRCH, SVI, YUTA, FLYNN.... srp,....

Don't see the Raptors touching the top seven....

[ATLTimekeeper]

https://theathletic.com/3102256/2022/02/07/nba-power-rankings-raptors-climb-up-playoff-hopefuls-tier-plus-nba-trade-deadline-buyers-and-sellers/

we have a solid starting 5 and more importantly a solid closing 5. any trade involving the pick must be to improve one of those 5 spots; and barring a major trade; nothing will move the needle. i dont want to trade a 1st to improve the 7th spot in rotation.

Another thing - margins are so slim right now all these teams are bunched up. We could easily face any team in the first round and be out. Keeping our first is important in order to keep adding. Trading it away for a 6/7 rotation guy who you will have to spend big money on shortly just doesnt add up for me.

Patience is the key this deadline. Get rid of Dragic. Keep Boucher. Look into buyout market for bench help if we cant get any through dragic trade.

Giving up our FRP this year is risky because if we hit a skid, we could easily be back in a play in spot. Then Lose in the first round. We got nothing to show for it come the draft. Dont think Masai takes that risk THIS SEASON.

I'm all for making noise this year but methinks masai stays patient and gets a value low cost trade / picks someone up from buyout.

You just apply a lotto protection on the pick, which is what Cleveland did in the LeVert trade. The standard is set that it's a nominal asset going forward. The Raptors have all their future picks, so they can afford one for the right player.

They're not going to be able to afford this starting 5 anyway, so long-term we know there's consolidation trades that need to be done. Like the Cavs, the Raptors are in a golden spot to support a young team with some immediate help with future franchise players as rookies. That doesn't happen that often.

[PhilBlackson]

Read on Twitter

Jesus Morey just get this over already, it's like he feels like he must get a completely lopsided trade to show off or something. I really wish this would blow up in his face.

It most likely will. Do people really think Philly guy when they look at Harden? Really the working man's superstar that guy... getting booed like crazy at the first sign of failure no doubt.

Well the beard is a PHI thing lol but yeah I think on court is gonna be a different thing.

Especially come Playoff time...it's not like Harden has a history of being clutch himself lol and are they even sure he's the guy he had been in previous years?! He's been fairly underwhelming in comparison post rule change and he's starting to have hamstring issues, remains bit overweight, only getting older. Could end up being a hilarious disaster/karma.

[JB7]

Read on Twitter

This is hilarious. It looks like it is getting personal now. Really Seth Curry as a must have over Maxey or Thybulle? That is a personal shot as Seth's father-in-law is Doc Rivers. So it is essentially: Sixers, Morey and Doc, you want to deal, send over your son-in-law.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Read on Twitter

This is hilarious. It looks like it is getting personal now. Really Seth Curry as a must have over Maxey or Thybulle? That is a personal shot as Seth's father-in-law is Doc Rivers. So it is essentially: Sixers, Morey and Doc, you want to deal, send over your son-in-law.

Woj reported that Brooklyn hung up the phone a month ago. Why are we discussing LegionHoops?

[JB7]

https://theathletic.com/3102256/2022/02/07/nba-power-rankings-raptors-climb-up-playoff-hopefuls-tier-plus-nba-trade-deadline-buyers-and-sellers/

we have a solid starting 5 and more importantly a solid closing 5. any trade involving the pick must be to improve one of those 5 spots; and barring a major trade; nothing will move the needle. i dont want to trade a 1st to improve the 7th spot in rotation.

Another thing - margins are so slim right now all these teams are bunched up. We could easily face any team in the first round and be out. Keeping our first is important in order to keep adding. Trading it away for a 6/7 rotation guy who you will have to spend big money on shortly just doesnt add up for me.

Patience is the key this deadline. Get rid of Dragic. Keep Boucher. Look into buyout market for bench help if we cant get any through dragic trade.

Giving up our FRP this year is risky because if we hit a skid, we could easily be back in a play in spot. Then Lose in the first round. We got nothing to show for it come the draft. Dont think Masai takes that risk THIS SEASON.

I'm all for making noise this year but methinks masai stays patient and gets a value low cost trade / picks someone up from buyout.

I think Masai would trade a FRP (lotto protected) for Poeltl. Jakob fits the teams immediate and long term needs and is young enough to be a piece for awhile. Keeping Precious would be insurance for Raps if Jakob becomes too expensive when they need to re-up him in 2 years.

[WuTang_CMB]

we have a solid starting 5 and more importantly a solid closing 5. any trade involving the pick must be to improve one of those 5 spots; and barring a major trade; nothing will move the needle. i dont want to trade a 1st to improve the 7th spot in rotation.

Another thing - margins are so slim right now all these teams are bunched up. We could easily face any team in the first round and be out. Keeping our first is important in order to keep adding. Trading it away for a 6/7 rotation guy who you will have to spend big money on shortly just doesnt add up for me.

Patience is the key this deadline. Get rid of Dragic. Keep Boucher. Look into buyout market for bench help if we cant get any through dragic trade.

Giving up our FRP this year is risky because if we hit a skid, we could easily be back in a play in spot. Then Lose in the first round. We got nothing to show for it come the draft. Dont think Masai takes that risk THIS SEASON.

I'm all for making noise this year but methinks masai stays patient and gets a value low cost trade / picks someone up from buyout.

You just apply a lotto protection on the pick, which is what Cleveland did in the LeVert trade. The standard is set that it's a nominal asset going forward. The Raptors have all their future picks, so they can afford one for the right player.

They're not going to be able to afford this starting 5 anyway, so long-term we know there's consolidation trades that need to be done. Like the Cavs, the Raptors are in a golden spot to support a young team with some immediate help with future franchise players as rookies. That doesn't happen that often.

I still don't do it and dont think management will by thursday. I'm not giving up 15-23rd pick in the draft at this stage and with us pretty much set with the starting 5. If we had a major need at SG say, and there was a guy like Gary out there, then that's a different story. We have the 5 peices. Just need to keep growing and adding through the draft. As I said, a small skid and going back to the play in spots is very much a possibility... adding that to a first round loss, and a FRP is vital at this stage.

[canz55]

There are a number of reasons why I believe the Raps won't give up significant assets for a starting caliber C:

1. They'd have to break the starting lineup which means either GTJ or Barnes goes to the bench.

2. Adding a C to the bench makes little sense when you already have Precious, Birch and Boucher.

3. The Raps are going to face a cap crunch soon. VV and GTJ can both opt-out after next season and both will see sizeable raises on their current deals. With Siakam and OG already making big money, adding another big money player doesn't make much sense. And giving up assets for a short term rental doesn't make much sense either given where the Raps are.

Most likely scenario is the Raps give up expirings, maybe a 2nd or two for some guard/wing bench depth and then they look at the buyout market.

I can argue the reverse that because GTJ/FVV are due a pay raise soon that there's a window now to make a playoff push.

The question really boils down to: are we willing to risk future cap stability to see if these guys can make a compelling run absent a superstar?

I'm not disagreeing with your logic, in fact I more than likely agree with you (I don't thnk we have the maturity to really compete yet) but our front office might be really tempted. And I don't necessarily blame them.

[OakleyDokely]

There are a number of reasons why I believe the Raps won't give up significant assets for a starting caliber C:

1. They'd have to break the starting lineup which means either GTJ or Barnes goes to the bench.

2. Adding a C to the bench makes little sense when you already have Precious, Birch and Boucher.

3. The Raps are going to face a cap crunch soon. VV and GTJ can both opt-out after next season and both will see sizeable raises on their current deals. With Siakam and OG already making big money, adding another big money player doesn't make much sense. And giving up assets for a short term rental doesn't make much sense either given where the Raps are.

Most likely scenario is the Raps give up expirings, maybe a 2nd or two for some guard/wing bench depth and then they look at the buyout market.

I can argue the reverse that because GTJ/FVV are due a pay raise soon that there's a window now to make a playoff push.

The question really boils down to: are we willing to risk future cap stability to see if these guys can make a compelling run absent a superstar?

I'm not disagreeing with your logic, in fact I more than likely agree with you (I don't thnk we have the maturity to really compete yet) but our front office might be really tempted. And I don't necessarily blame them.

I'm okay with making a playoff push now, but it has to be for the right player.

I just don't see guys like Turner or Poeltl being those guys that push us over the top. Neither guy is an even a guarantee to be in our closing lineup.

[canz55]

There are a number of reasons why I believe the Raps won't give up significant assets for a starting caliber C:

1. They'd have to break the starting lineup which means either GTJ or Barnes goes to the bench.

2. Adding a C to the bench makes little sense when you already have Precious, Birch and Boucher.

3. The Raps are going to face a cap crunch soon. VV and GTJ can both opt-out after next season and both will see sizeable raises on their current deals. With Siakam and OG already making big money, adding another big money player doesn't make much sense. And giving up assets for a short term rental doesn't make much sense either given where the Raps are.

Most likely scenario is the Raps give up expirings, maybe a 2nd or two for some guard/wing bench depth and then they look at the buyout market.

I can argue the reverse that because GTJ/FVV are due a pay raise soon that there's a window now to make a playoff push.

The question really boils down to: are we willing to risk future cap stability to see if these guys can make a compelling run absent a superstar?

I'm not disagreeing with your logic, in fact I more than likely agree with you (I don't thnk we have the maturity to really compete yet) but our front office might be really tempted. And I don't necessarily blame them.

I'm okay with making a playoff push now, but it has to be for the right player.

I just don't see guys like Turner or Poeltl being those guys that push us over the top. Neither guy is an even a guarantee to be in our closing lineup.

You don't think Poeltl could at least help slow down an Embiid/Bam?

[OakleyDokely]

I can argue the reverse that because GTJ/FVV are due a pay raise soon that there's a window now to make a playoff push.

The question really boils down to: are we willing to risk future cap stability to see if these guys can make a compelling run absent a superstar?

I'm not disagreeing with your logic, in fact I more than likely agree with you (I don't thnk we have the maturity to really compete yet) but our front office might be really tempted. And I don't necessarily blame them.

I'm okay with making a playoff push now, but it has to be for the right player.

I just don't see guys like Turner or Poeltl being those guys that push us over the top. Neither guy is an even a guarantee to be in our closing lineup.

You don't think Poeltl could at least help slow down an Embiid/Bam?

Sure. But, like every trade it comes down to cost. SA doesn't need to trade him so he won't come cheap.

[douggood]

I can argue the reverse that because GTJ/FVV are due a pay raise soon that there's a window now to make a playoff push.

The question really boils down to: are we willing to risk future cap stability to see if these guys can make a compelling run absent a superstar?

I'm not disagreeing with your logic, in fact I more than likely agree with you (I don't thnk we have the maturity to really compete yet) but our front office might be really tempted. And I don't necessarily blame them.

I'm okay with making a playoff push now, but it has to be for the right player.

I just don't see guys like Turner or Poeltl being those guys that push us over the top. Neither guy is an even a guarantee to be in our closing lineup.

You don't think Poeltl could at least help slow down an Embiid/Bam?

and what if we face the bkn nets, bucks, will poetl slow down durant/giannis.

[djsunyc]

ujiri's trades involving draft picks (FRP = first round pick, SRP = 2nd round pick)

offseason 2013: IN: 2016 FRP and 2014 + 2017 SRPs (bargs)
offseason 2014: OUT: 2017 SRP (dump novak)
offseason 2015: IN: 2017 FRP (vasquez)
midseason 2016/17: OUT: 2017 FRP (for serge), 2017 and 2018 SRP (for pj)
offseason 2017: OUT: 2018 FRP and SRP (dump demarre)
offseason 2018: OUT: 2019 FRP (for kawhi)
midseason 2018/19: OUT: 2021 SRP (for cash), 2022 SRP (for cash), 2024 SRP (for gasol)
midseason 20/21: IN: two 2021 SRPs (td, matt)

TOTAL FRP IN: 2 OUT: 3
TOTAL SRP IN: 4 OUT: 6

future picks remaining:
2022: FRP
2023: FRP + SRP
2024: FRP
2025-2029: FRP + SRP each year

[mtcan]

I can argue the reverse that because GTJ/FVV are due a pay raise soon that there's a window now to make a playoff push.

The question really boils down to: are we willing to risk future cap stability to see if these guys can make a compelling run absent a superstar?

I'm not disagreeing with your logic, in fact I more than likely agree with you (I don't thnk we have the maturity to really compete yet) but our front office might be really tempted. And I don't necessarily blame them.

I'm okay with making a playoff push now, but it has to be for the right player.

I just don't see guys like Turner or Poeltl being those guys that push us over the top. Neither guy is an even a guarantee to be in our closing lineup.

You don't think Poeltl could at least help slow down an Embiid/Bam?

Poeltl would have kept Vuc from getting 30 pts and 18 rebounds. Vuc averages 17 pts and 11 rebounds usually.

If we face Philly or Chicago in the first round without a legit 7 footer to bang with Embiid or Vuc...it's going to be a short series...

[canz55]

I'm thinking you give the Spurs an unprotected first which should be enough goodwill to help us keep Precious in exchange for Boucher. Losing Boucher would be a blow though no question.

Sent from my SM-G998W using RealGM mobile app

[WuTang_CMB]

we have a solid starting 5 and more importantly a solid closing 5. any trade involving the pick must be to improve one of those 5 spots; and barring a major trade; nothing will move the needle. i dont want to trade a 1st to improve the 7th spot in rotation.

Another thing - margins are so slim right now all these teams are bunched up. We could easily face any team in the first round and be out. Keeping our first is important in order to keep adding. Trading it away for a 6/7 rotation guy who you will have to spend big money on shortly just doesnt add up for me.

Patience is the key this deadline. Get rid of Dragic. Keep Boucher. Look into buyout market for bench help if we cant get any through dragic trade.

Giving up our FRP this year is risky because if we hit a skid, we could easily be back in a play in spot. Then Lose in the first round. We got nothing to show for it come the draft. Dont think Masai takes that risk THIS SEASON.

I'm all for making noise this year but methinks masai stays patient and gets a value low cost trade / picks someone up from buyout.

I think Masai would trade a FRP (lotto protected) for Poeltl. Jakob fits the teams immediate and long term needs and is young enough to be a piece for awhile. Keeping Precious would be insurance for Raps if Jakob becomes too expensive when they need to re-up him in 2 years.

That's not how we operate though. Masai is an asset management freak. We aren't going to give up a FRP only to let that return walk because we can't afford them.

[OakleyDokely]

I'm okay with making a playoff push now, but it has to be for the right player.

I just don't see guys like Turner or Poeltl being those guys that push us over the top. Neither guy is an even a guarantee to be in our closing lineup.

You don't think Poeltl could at least help slow down an Embiid/Bam?

Poeltl would have kept Vuc from getting 30 pts and 18 rebounds. Vuc averages 17 pts and 11 rebounds usually.

If we face Philly or Chicago in the first round without a legit 7 footer to bang with Embiid or Vuc...it's going to be a short series...

Vuc was also a -7 against the Raps in that game, so the raps won the minutes he played. The Raps abused him defensively with their athletic jumbo frontcourt, which is a big advantage for the Raps in a lot of matchups.

Nobody is stopping Embiid, unless prime Gasol is walking through that door.

[Ell Curry]

I'm thinking now we'll end up moving Dragic in a 3 way deal. Lots of contracts in his range floating around like Bogdanovic, Gallinari, Derrick White, Jerami Grant and such for us to get involved in.