How the DeMarcus Cousins Trade Could Impact the Toronto Raptors

The Potential Evans Impact

With the Kings wanting a “fresh start,” they coveted draft picks, prospects and expiring deals. By the sounds of it, though, they literally just wanted to hit F5 and blow their roster up, which means a few players, like Tyreke Evans, could be released.

If Tyreke Evans is bought out, you can bet your bottom dollar the Cleveland Cavaliers will inquire about the 6-foot-6 combo guard and likely try to sign him. If not the Cavs, some contender will likely try to make an offer for him.

It would be tricky, but perhaps the Raptors might try to make a run at signing Evans? Financially, they would have to get creative to make cap space, but the team could even trade Jared Sullinger plus an expiring contract, like Bruno Caboclo, to acquire Evans before he’s released. A trade is unlikely, but it is a scenario the Raptors could explore.

Even if Toronto could make it work, I’m not so sure he’d be a fit on the court. The Raptors’ backcourt is already full with Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Norman Powell, Cory Joseph, Delon Wright and Fred VanVleet, so where does Evans fit in? I understand it’s a guard-centric league and Evans’ ability to attack the rim could be an asset off the bench, but that would likely mean Joseph or Wright would be relegated to a reserve role.

In all likelihood, a contending team, like the Cavs, will sign Evans and we’ll see him playing against the Raptors, not for them. Another option could be Barnes, who was released by the Kings, but I think the 36-year-old Santa Clara, California native will want to stay close to his kids out on the west coast.