How This Trade Impacts Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors look like they are going to try and make a postseason push during the 2021-22 season. They have resisted any inquiries when it came to Pascal Siakam, so it is unlikely that he will be on the move. However, if they were to change their minds, a deal like this could be what garners their attention.
Dejounte Murray would give the team a long-term replacement for Kyle Lowry in the backcourt. Toronto would have one of the most dynamic, promising backcourt trios in the NBA with Murray, 27-year old Fred VanVleet and 22-year old Gary Trent Jr. All three could even share the court as Murray and Trent both have good size standing 6’4” and 6’5” respectively with 6’10” and 6’9” wingspans.
When you combine that with 25-year old OG Anunoby and 20-year old Scottie Barnes, the Raptors have one of the best young cores in the NBA on their hands.
They would be able to build upon that as well, as they would have two first-round picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. They would have the chance to add two more players to their core or help move up in the draft for a prospect they are targeting.
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The extra draft capital, along with the young players on the roster, would put Toronto in a position to trade for a star player, just as they did for Kawhi Leonard, should one become available.
Parting ways with Siakam would hurt, but the team has a long-term replacement already on the roster in Barnes. While they may not win as many games this season with a move like that, they would be much better positioned for the future with a long-term Lowry replacement and more draft capital.
