NBA Trade Rumors: 3 big names currently on the trading block

Jonas Valanciunas, C, Toronto Raptors

For some time now, the Raptors have been looking for takers for big man Jonas Valanciunas. The search has been ongoing for the last few seasons and throughout this offseason, and apparently is still in progress as of today.

That, however, doesn’t mean Toronto is going to move him without getting something significant in return. The asking price may have been low in the past, but president Masai Ujiri isn’t having it anymore. At least not according to TSN’s Josh Lewenberg:

Even after Uriji’s vote of confidence, it’s hard to believe the Raptors wouldn’t move Valanciunas if a strong offer came across the table. Considering he’s still an above-average big man in the NBA, I wouldn’t be surprised if some club desperate for size came a-knockin’. At that point, it would all come down to what they offered as compensation.

The Raptors may not be facing a serious luxury tax payment, but Valanciunas isn’t safe. He’s had an up-and-down career that has flashed promise, but has ultimately been characterized by inconsistency.

With Jakob Poeltl flashing potential during Summer League, Toronto will want to get him more involved in 2017-18. Part of that plan could be moving Valanciunas to keep building this Raptors team up as one of the best in the floundering Eastern Conference.