Toronto Raptors: Examining Their 2016 NBA Trade Deadline

With the 2016 NBA Trade Deadline now past us, the Toronto Raptors stood pat with what they have. The question remaining is whether that was the right move.

It’s safe to say we all feel underwhelmed from this year’s NBA Trade Deadline.

It was certainly hard to live up to last year’s last minute fireworks, but with so many rumors flying around in recent weeks, the general inactivity from the majority of the teams around the league was a big letdown.

However, with an unpredictable offseason looming, teams clearly valued their assets and flexibility more than ever unless if they thought the price was right.

That sentiment applies to the Toronto Raptors as they had been one of the more active teams in the weeks leading up to the deadline and were well positioned to make a move that benefited them both now and in the future.

Players like Thaddeus Young, Taj Gibson and P.J. Tucker were all linked to the team in recent days and on paper, would have been great fits with the kind of team the Raptors have been building in recent years.

Yet no move was made, and while they could go after possible buyout candidates, the Raptors are probably sticking with what they have for the rest of the season. The question is, will they regret not making a move before this year’s trade deadline?

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It’s a balancing act trying to keep up your team’s current success as well as keeping yourself open to future opportunities, but the window for the Raptors is now, whether they want to admit it or not.

Kyle Lowry and Demar DeRozan, the team’s All-Star backcourt, are having career years and have collectively been the backbone of the team’s success this year.

However, a lack of a consistent third scoring option remains elusive for the Raptors and their guard heavy play will certainly be tested down the stretch and into the playoffs.

Additionally, DeMarre Carroll, the team’s big free agent splash last offseason, has been limited all season due to a lingering right knee injury and while he’s expected to make his return soon, it’ll be a big gamble to depend on him for a deep playoff run.

Those set of circumstances, as well as the team’s alarming lack of depth, could end up biting the team in the back when it’s all said and done.

However, it’s justifiable for why it was better for the team to stand pat at the deadline.

Currently sitting as the second seed in the East at 35-17, the Raptors have been impressive all throughout the season and have gotten the best out of players that we weren’t expecting much from heading into the season.

Players like Cory Joseph and Luis Scola come to mind, and although DeRozan and Lowry have been credited for the team’s performance, the Raptors have gotten the best out of their whole roster.

That was certainly the message Dwane Casey put out in an interview with Doug Smith of the Toronto Star that was held shortly after the trade deadline:

"“That’s a strong statement to our players: We believe in them, this is what we’re going into battle with,” Casey said after the practice. “Our charge is to every day get better, whether it’s passing, footwork, whatever it is, something small. Get better."

"“It’s a statement that says these are our guys, these are the guys we believe in, these are the guys last summer that we committed to. They’ve done their job so far this year. Guys have committed to each other, they’ve bought into their roles, so we’ve got to continue to do that.”"

Staying put also leaves the team with the flexibility to fill a long-term hole (i.e. their power forward spot) even though re-signing DeRozan will certainly come first this offseason.

More hoops habit: 2016 NBA Trade Deadline: Grades For All 30 Teams

All in all, the actions made (or lack of actions made) by the Raptors will not detract from a possible playoff run this year. Yes, it would have been great to acquire a player that fits the team now and in the long-term, but the Raptors still have a good thing going this year.

Now let’s see if it’s built to last.

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Toronto Raptors: Examining Their Inactivity At The Trade Deadline

By Jordan Treske | Feb 19, 2016

With the 2016 NBA Trade Deadline now past us, the Toronto Raptors stood pat with what they have. The question remaining is whether that was the right move.