Toronto Raptors Stand Pat at the Trade Deadline
Despite all the rumours surrounding the Toronto Raptors, the team decided to stand pat at the NBA Trade Deadline.
The NBA’s Trade Deadline has passed and the Toronto Raptors decided not to make a move for the second year in a row. This is not a bad thing, however. In fact, it’s a move of neutral value, where it doesn’t hurt the Raptors, nor does it necessarily help the Raptors.
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Equipped with a major asset in the lesser of the Knicks or Nuggets first-round pick in this year’s draft, plus three additional first-round picks over the next two drafts, the Raptors were unable to find a trade partner. Even though names like Thaddeus Young, Markieff Morris, and Al Horford, were all speculated to be on the Raptors’ radar, the team decided to roll with what they have and hope the return of DeMarre Carroll will be enough to push them over the top.
For some fans, the inactivity is frustrating. While for others, it was viewed as a step in the right direction and was greeted with tons of praise. The fan base remains split, though. Regardless, the outlook remains the same for the Raps. They’re entrenched as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, and barring a major collapse, should remain a top three team the rest of the way. They’re also loaded with assets going forward, including the Knicks/Nuggets first-round pick in this year’s draft, and have players under contract who they’re able to move.
So it’s not a bad outlook for the Raptors.
On the other hand, there are fans out there who wanted the Raptors to go all in this deadline and make a Toronto Blue Jays type push for the Larry O’Brien trophy. Unless it was a mega deal for the Hawks’ Al Horford, I’d be completely opposed to this approach.
Yes, the core of the Raptors is getting older, there’s no denying that. Lowry is nearing the wrong side of 30 and is almost up for a new contract. DeRozan is in the midst of a career year and will most certainly command a max-deal from the Raptors. After that, it gets hazy with the Raptors’ future roster. But when you look at the roster right now, unless you’re acquiring a game-changer, like Al Horford, it doesn’t make sense for the Raptors to cut ties with their assets.
Would Thad Young, Markieff Morris or Ryan Anderson push the Raptors over the top? Probably not. So why risk future potential and flexibility for a marginally improved — and that’s debatable — roster?
It just doesn’t make sense.
The unknown salary cap is a factor to consider as well, which is something Ujiri mentioned. The increasing, yet unknown, salary cap was likely a main reason for Thursday’s quiet deadline.
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Once that part of the league is resolved, I’d fully expect Ujiri and the Raptors to be very aggressive at the NBA Draft. But in the meantime, the front office has made no secrets about placing their faith in this core, and it’s time for those guys to prove Ujiri and company right.
They’re betting on a core that’s proven to be good this year, plus the return of Carroll, to propel them out of the first-round. Most importantly, though, this team will not only remain competitive in the immediate future, but they will also remain competitive for the long-term future as well.
Next: Raptors: DeMar DeRozan Aiming to Remain in Toronto
What did you think of the Raptors quiet NBA Trade Deadline? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.