Does this trade make sense for the Toronto Raptors?

For the Raptors, a short, mini-rebuild may be the way to go for them. Kyle Lowry is nearing the end of his career and not the effective All-Star point guard he once was and after trading away a high-level young talent in Norman Powell, the Raptors do not have many high-level options on their roster anymore. 

Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby makes up what should be a very high-level and sustainable core for years to come, but maximizing Siakam’s value now could be worthwhile. He has reached the peak of his career and is not going to get any better than he already is, which is why trading for a raw, high potential, young center in James Wiseman and a two-way wing with a lot of potential for growth in Andrew Wiggins makes total sense.

Pairing Wiggins and Wiseman with FVV, Gary Trent Jr. and O.G. Anunoby gives the Raptors a ton of young, talented and versatile players to build with to contend for future championships. Right now, the Raptors do not look like a championship caliber team, which is why they need to be looking long-term. 

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Pascal Siakam played a big part in the Raptors 2019 NBA Championship run, but he was Kawhi Leonard’s “sidekick.” Can he step up and be the best player on a championship-caliber team? Maybe I am wrong, but to me, the answer is no, as he thrives in that secondary and complimentary star role. 

Trading him and Boucher definitely hurts the Raptors in the short-term, but Wiseman could easily develop into a much better overall frontcourt talent than Siakam will ever be and Wiggins gives the Raptors some much needed production and firepower on the wing. 

Based on long-term potential and talent, this trade definitely makes sense for the Raptors, but if they are unwilling to tear down what they have built, then trading Siakam may not be the best thing for them to do at this moment.