Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors Receive: F Julius Randle, G Frank Ntilikina, NYK 2021 1st Round Pick, DAL 2021 1st Round Pick (via NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G Kyle Lowry, TOR 2023 2nd Round Pick, TOR 2025 2nd Round Pick
Kyle Lowry has been the leader of the Toronto Raptors for years now and has been an All-Star in six consecutive seasons for them, but it could be time for Toronto to move on from him. He is turning 35-years old this season and with him being in the final year of his contract, it could make a lot of sense for the Raptors to trade him for a player like Julius Randle, who is having a breakout, All-Star like season.
After losing Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka in free agency, the Raptors were left scrambling for answers in their frontcourt and have tried to cover up the void left behind with Aron Baynes and Chris Boucher. While Boucher has played well, Baynes really is not too productive for them, which is why Randle could be a huge addition for the Raptors.
Julius Randle has looked fantastic so far this season and looks like a definite NBA All-Star. In 31 games for the Knicks, Randle is averaging 23.2 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and is shooting 48.1% from the floor, 41% from three-point range.
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Given the problems that the Raptors face in their frontcourt, pairing Julius Randle with NBA All-Star forward Pascal Siakam could make a ton of sense, especially since the Knicks’ big man is only 26-years old and still growing as a player.
His versatility makes him a very intriguing frontcourt option as he can not only rebound and score in the low-post, but he can also expand his game on the perimeter and be an active facilitator for his team. Julius Randle currently leads the Knicks in assists per game and by a pretty wide margin.
With no reliable options in the frontcourt besides Pascal Siakam, the Raptors need to address this situation or they will not be able to win 50+ games for the sixth consecutive season. With Kyle Lowry gone, rookie Malachi Flynn, Norman Powell and Fred VanVleet
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Not to mention, Julius Randle is also under contract next season, so the Raptors would not have to be worried about retaining him in the offseason and could potentially work on a long-term extension throughout next season.
Not only would this trade help them now in their pursuit for more championships, but in the future as well since Pascal Siakam and Julius Randle are only 26-years old. The New York Knicks have the young assets and even the draft picks to be able to put together a really strong trade package for Lowry and it is definitely something for the Toronto Raptors to consider.
