Toronto Raptors: Wes Matthews could provide much needed depth scoring

By David Morassutti | Feb 4, 2019

Wesley Matthews #23 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the second quarter of the game against the New York Knicks. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

A recent report suggests the Toronto Raptors are interested in Wes Matthews should he be bought out by the New York Knicks.

It is no secret the Toronto Raptors could use a boost ahead of the trade deadline, but that is not the only avenue the team can explore for potential upgrades; the buyout market might be another option to consider.

While most of the NBA is waiting to see what happens with Anthony Davis — including the Raptors — another player is drawing some attention from contending teams. After being acquired by the Dallas Mavericks in the Kristaps Porzingis, the New York Knicks are trying to move Wes Matthews ahead of the Feb. 7 trade deadline according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.

Unfortunately for New York, Matthews carries a hefty salary of $18.6 million and contending teams are waiting for a potential buyout. This gives a team like Toronto a chance to use the mid-level exception to sign Matthews if that becomes an option.

Along with the Raptors; the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors are expected to make an offer on the veteran forward should the Knicks negotiate a buyout.

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It would be unlikely to expect the Raptors to negotiate a trade unless New York is willing to take salary back, which probably won’t be the case. At the same time, why would Toronto give up assets when there’s a chance to add the 32-year-old without doing so?

The San Antonio native is averaging 12.9 points per game and is shooting 37.4 percent from three, which is the exact area he would help address. The Raptors rank 22nd from beyond the arc, with Danny Green leading the way shooting 42 percent.

Fortunately, it seems like Norman Powell is regaining his shooting touch (37.6 percent) but C.J. Miles, Serge Ibaka and Kyle Lowry are all shooting below their career averages. This is why the Raptors would be better off trying to acquire a more dependable shooter who can sub in for someone like Miles in the rotation.

Although the idea of a big trade would give the Raptors a major boost over the Milwaukee Bucks, who should be seen as the biggest threat to Toronto’s journey to the East Finals.

Next. Raptors are right to enter the bidding for Anthony Davis. dark

What do you think about the possibility of adding Matthews if the Knicks were to buy him out? Should the Raptors consider a bigger trade ahead of the deadline or look for a smaller deal? Let us know in the comments below.

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