Does this trade make sense for the Toronto Raptors?
If Kyle Lowry decides he wants to leave Toronto in the offseason, this trade definitely makes sense for the Raptors because they would be getting value for Lowry. Wherever Lowry decides he wants to play, the Raptors should try and execute a sign-and-trade involving him because they will not only receive immediate value through some key players, but they will also create a large trade exception that they could use at the trade deadline next year to add more talent.
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In this sign-and-trade with Denver, Monte Morris would be a nice fit with Fred VanVleet and Malachi Flynn in the backcourt and then adding Will Barton on the wing would be a really nice fit given his “3-and-D” playstyle at either the shooting guard or small-forward positions.
Trading Kyle Lowry definitely makes sense for the Raptors because they can salvage value from him instead of just letting him sign elsewhere. Toronto took this risk when they did not trade him at this year’s trade deadline, which is why they need to be able to either bring him back next season or deal him in a sign-and-trade.
Who knows what Masai Ujiri has planned for the Raptors and their future, but right now, they have a lot of sorting out to do roster-wise because the performances they had this year were not the Raptors we are used to seeing.