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Toronto Raptors: In Masai Ujiri We All Trust

By Paul Taylor

Sep 29, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri during a media scrum at Raptors Media Day at The Real Sports Bar Toronto. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri during a media scrum at Raptors Media Day at The Real Sports Bar Toronto. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /
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President Masai Ujiri vows the Toronto Raptors will not force anything, just for the sake of making a move between now and the trade deadline.

The Toronto Raptors are currently in the midst of the most successful period in franchise history. Three consecutive years of setting a record for regular season wins combined with a trio of division titles is certainly something to be proud of.

Of course, certain NBA fan bases will laugh at what we consider successful. Regardless, the Raptors find themselves in a position 26 other teams would arguably love to be in.

Unfortunately, there is the ever so small issue of the other three teams to consider. No matter how much progress Toronto has made, there are still a level below the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.

Unfortunately for the Raptors, the likes of LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kawhi Leonard won’t be going anywhere, anytime soon. This leads to the question of what Toronto can do to get over the hump and win a championship?

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The most logical answer is to make a trade, although this is easier said than done. Along those lines, adding Paul Millsap would certainly boost the Raptors, but again, this is easier said than done.

The Atlanta Hawks‘ official stance is they are no longer looking to move the three-time All-Star, but the likelihood is they are just saying this to persuade teams to up the ante. However, Toronto shouldn’t overpay for a player who could quite easily leave at the end of this season.

Fortunately for Raptors’ fans, no matter how much their team may need a player such as Millsap, they won’t do anything rash. And in large part, we have Masai Ujiri to thank for this. (He may no longer be the general manager, but as president, you know he still has some input on roster moves.)

Ujiri discussed the matter in a more general sense, while appearing on Prime Time Sports on Thursday: “We find ourselves in a special place, which is second in the East.

“There is a window with Kyle Lowry, DeMar (DeRozan) and DeMarre (Carroll) with those kind of guys in their prime and we will take advantage. But we’re not making bad deals.”

Now some fans may wonder how true this is, especially those still haunted by the bad old days in Raptor Land. However, that’s exactly the point – we’re no longer in that position, with smart people like Urjiri running the show.

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Ujiri said: “It doesn’t help business, it doesn’t help your future. Trust me, if a deal is not made just know there was nothing on the table for us that would really enhance our team.”

Another thing you can be sure of, is that the front office are busy considering every conceivable option, as they look to strengthen the roster for a run at the Cavaliers. In that respect, a lot has been going on recently.

Ujiri said: “We were busy last week. There were tons of calls because of the Kyle Korver trade and everybody thought there was another domino coming.

“There are plenty of calls. That’s the way the NBA works and then all of a sudden it goes quiet.”

Don’t expect it to be quiet for too long, especially as we get closer to February 23rd. And whether the Raptors make a trade or stand pat, you know the Raptors will remain in great shape, thanks to the influence of Ujiri.

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What’s your prediction for the Raptors in respect of the looming trade deadline? Do you expect them to make a move or stand pat, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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