CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 30: Bruce Brown #11 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Chicago… (+) Bulls during the second half at the United Center on January 30, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves//Keynote USA/Getty Images)
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The NBA Draft is usually an ideal place for a trade to become a reality. It is the penultimate event of each draft cycle and serves as a nesting place for 30 teams to evaluate their standing in the league in preparation for free agency and the upcoming season.
That’s why, without a doubt, there are, on average, between 5 and 10 trades (and sometimes more) each year in the draft.
Add to this the new financial restrictions of the collective bargaining agreement, the fact that many consider it a ‘flat’ draft, that some teams are in precarious positions, and that an intensified cycle of trades awaits us on draft day.
The Toronto Raptors are a team that could be quite active. Armed with the #19 and #31 picks and entering their first full retooling season, what they could do could dictate how they view their long- and short-term aspirations. Are they trying to move up because they fell in love with a lottery-level talent in this year’s draft? Or do they abandon or completely abandon the draft to recover future assets?
Even if they don’t end up doing anything, it’s a thoughtful exercise in understanding what this Raptors organization thinks of the talent currently on the roster.
Let’s look at some of my favorites.
Disclaimer: Jakob Poeltl should not be traded
CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 26: Jakob Poeltl #19 of the Toronto Raptors guards Darius Garland #10 of…(+) the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 26, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio . (Photo by Jason Miller//Keynote USA/Getty Images)
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The Raptors would have had the eighth pick in this draft if not for trading for Jakob Poeltl in February 2023. Naturally, the idea has arisen that they should trade Poeltl to get back into the lottery, and while they’re on the surface. This might seem like a quick way to make up for the past; It doesn’t become logical.
Don’t get me wrong, the Raptors team that acquired Poeltl in a trade is not the same one that now houses the 28-year-old center. That team was trying to compete then and this one… they’re still figuring it out.
That being said, Poeltl has been instrumental in developing this Raptors core. He has been particularly useful as a blocker, sealer and pick-and-roll sparring partner for Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, who have needed Poeltl’s presence to improve their feel reads and create their own shots. And while his lack of a jump shot is a hindrance, his ability to make high-post passes is a legitimate pillar in Darko Rajakovic’s offensive system, one that benefits Scottie Barnes’ off-ball abilities as a cutter and finisher.
A statistic that will convince you if you’re still tired: Poeltl is the only Raptors starter after January 1 who has a positive net rating in every two-man lineup he’s been in with any other starter.
Essentially, he is valuable for what they do and there is not a player on the current roster who can replicate his skills. So unless they’re confident that whoever they trade will 1) be available there and 2) can fill that void, they shouldn’t trade their current starting center.
The Raptors would have no ammunition to pursue Donovan Clingan or Alex Sarr, two of the projected top five picks, so they would rest their laurels by shooting for Kel’el Ware, Zach Edey, DaRon Holmes or Yves Missi. all of which could potentially be available in 19.
Exchange options:
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – OCTOBER 16: John Collins #20 of the Utah Jazz in action during the first half… (+) of a preseason game against the New Zealand Breakers at Delta Center. (Photo by Alex Goodlett//Keynote USA/Getty Images)
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Sacramento receives: Bruce Brown + #19
Toronto receives: Harrison Barnes + #13
You will notice that there is a trend in these “trading” scenarios. The Raptors move up in the draft by using Bruce Brown’s expiring salary (Toronto must opt out of the final year of his contract worth $23 million before trading him) and agree to a longer-term contract to do so.
This trade provides the Kings some much-needed cap flexibility after next season and gives them a swing for Brown, who for all intents and purposes should be better in Sacramento, where he won’t have to do as much offensive self-creation and can just be a smart guy. to use on a playoff team, a role in which he won a championship.
For the Raptors, they move up to 13th in the draft and face Harrison Barnes, who is owed $37 million over the next two seasons. Barnes is no longer the player he once was, but the 32-year-old can be a positive presence in a young locker room and is useful as a 3-and-D wing for where the Raptors are in their competitive cycle.
This trade helps Toronto get “their guy” in the draft and gives them a hit on a seasoned veteran. Sacramento goes down (which also helps them financially) and gets Brown, a veteran who adapts to his offensive philosophy.
Chicago receives: Bruce Brown + #19 + #31
Toronto Receives: Lonzo Ball + #11
Similar idea here, but with different pretexts. Lonzo has missed the last two seasons recovering from a long-term knee injury and, although there have been reports that he hopes to play in the final year of his contract, his future in the league is a growing question mark. Additionally, the Bulls just traded Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey and according to KeynoteUSA’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the trade was made to replace Ball.
So the Raptors move up to No. 11, face Lonzo, and Chicago gets Bruce Brown, who can help them with their middling ambitions, and two picks for their problems.
Toronto receives: John Collins + #10
Utah receives: Bruce Brown + #19
The Jazz don’t necessarily need to get rid of John Collins’ contract right now, but it’s no wonder he’s one of the toughest contracts to take on in the league. He has 2 years and more than $52 million left on his contract with a player option in the second season worth more than $26 million.
The likely scenario is that the Raptors wouldn’t do this without future assets attached, such as another future first-round pick. And from the Jazz’s perspective, they’re in no rush to get rid of Collins because they’re not in any kind of salary crisis, and other than Markkanen, they don’t have anyone to pay imminently.
Still, do you think about it?
Downside trading options:
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 27: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the New York Knicks watches during the… (+) first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden on February 27, 2024 in the city of NY. (Photo by Sarah Stier//Keynote USA/Getty Images)
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New York receives: Bruce Brown + #19
Toronto receives: Bojan Bogdanovic + #24 + #25
The Raptors and Knicks were reportedly close to a deal on Bruce Brown at the trade deadline, but Toronto rejected New York’s offer of a 2024 first-round pick. How about two?
With this deal, the Raptors move down a few spots and get two trades in the can in a flat draft, meanwhile, the Knicks would acquire Brown, who has an overdue salary that can help alleviate the future salary cap conundrum that comes with the alleged agreement. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby contract extensions.
And they get a top 20 pick for their troubles.
The final year of Bogdanovic’s contract is only partially guaranteed and the Raptors would have until June 28 to decide whether they want to keep him and his $19 million salary on their books next season or waive him and create more cap space. salary this summer.
Los Angeles (Lakers) Receives: #31
Toronto receives: Max Christie + #55
Do you want Bronny James? Come get it. Simple as that.
Take a swing:
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 26: Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz reacts after scoring against the…(+) Phoenix Suns during the first half of NBA game at Footprint Center on November 26, 2022 in Phoenix , Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen//Keynote USA/Getty Images)
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Toronto receives: Collin Sexton + #29 + 32
Utah receives: Bruce Brown + #19 + #31
I probably got too carried away with the commercial machine with this one, but hear me out.
For the Jazz, this is a trade move. They now get two top-20 picks and move up to a second-round spot (which they could trade again if they so choose). This only works if Utah loves another prospect and doesn’t think he’ll fall to 29th.
For Toronto, it’s a gamble on Sexton, who has continued to refine his game while in Utah, becoming a more skilled playmaker who can score efficiently at all 3 levels. His size next to Immanuel Quickley is certainly an issue defensively, but Sexton has been comfortable coming off the bench in the past in Utah and would address their immediate need for a backup point guard. Additionally, Toronto still ends up with two picks in the draft.
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