Hoops Habit
Fansided

Toronto Raptors: 3 trades that can change the outlook on the season

By Larry Hammonds

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 11: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors reacts in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 11, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 11: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors reacts in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 11, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Toronto Raptors (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Trade No. 3:

Andre Drummond is one of the best rebounders to grace an NBA court since Moses Malone. The former ninth overall pick has posted a double-double every season of his NBA career, except his rookie year. He’s only 27 years old and in the prime of his career, averaging a career-high 18.5 points per game to go along with a league-leading 15.1 rebounds.

As previously stated, the Raptors have major issues at the center position. While it may not seem like a huge concern at the moment, Toronto is currently sitting in ninth place in the conference standings, barely eligible for the play-in tournament if the postseason started today. Drummond would give the Raptors a major boost on the boards and a post presence the franchise hasn’t had since Chris Bosh donned the purple and black. He would also alleviate some of the defensive responsibility thrust unto Siakam with Gasol and Ibaka’s departures.

In addition to Drummond, the Raptors would also be receiving versatile forward Cedi Osman in this deal. Osman is a perimeter threat and an underrated playmaker. He’s shooting 36.8 percent on 3-pointers on 6.5 attempts per game while averaging a career-high 12.6 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.

This is probably the least likely trade scenario that the Raptors will explore. Kyle Lowry helped deliver the only championship in franchise history and is beloved by the entire fan base. Being loyal to Lowry comes with a risk. Though he’s still producing at a high level, he’s set to be a free agent at the end of the year and will be 35 years old by season’s end.

With the core of Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby locked up for the longterm; maybe it’s time to consider moving on from the aging point guard. If they do consider moving Lowry, Drummond would be someone worth considering. He’s in the final year of his contract, but the Raptors would have his bird rights should they choose to re-sign him.

Next. NBA Power Rankings Week 6: Are Lakers still No. 1?. dark

Home/Toronto Raptors