NBA Trades: Pass or pursue on 5 rumored Raptors targets
By Dalton Sell
NBA Trades: Pass or pursue on 5 rumored Raptors targets – Myles Turner
Myles Turner is one of the top trade targets on the market, making it no surprise that the Raptors are reportedly interested in him to fill their center opening.
Though Turner is currently sidelined as he nurses a stress fracture in his foot, several teams will be lining up to make trade offers before the deadline in an attempt to bolster their respective frontcourts.
Finishing as the NBA’s block leader twice and currently making a run at a third, Turner has proven to be one of the best interior defenders in the league today. He would immediately make Toronto more imposing down low by shoring up their defense.
Due to his strong play, the Raptors would have to pay quite a price to acquire Turner’s services. According to Scotto, the Indiana Pacers are seeking two first-round picks or a first-rounder and a promising young player for Turner. That may seem like quite a bit for a player that is currently sidelined, but the Raptors should make a strong push regardless, as Turner could surely be back out on the floor this season. The big man could potentially cement Toronto’s status as a contender.
The Verdict: Pursue hard
NBA Trades: Pass or pursue on 5 rumored Raptors targets – Robert Williams III
The Raptors reportedly have some interest in a player from the Boston Celtics, an Atlantic Divison rival. That player would be Robert Williams III, the 24-year-old big man that is currently having the best season of his career to date.
He’s averaging 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocked shots per contest. Williams’ emergence as a breakout two-way center has been one of the biggest stories of the season for Boston thus far, and he would be a fascinating addition to Toronto’s roster.
Though Williams would be a tremendous pickup for the Raptors, it does not seem likely that the Celtics would entertain any trade discussions for their promising young center.
He has a contract extension on the horizon worth $48 million over four years, and if Williams continues developing this quickly, that deal could prove to be a steal for Boston. It would be incredibly shocking to see the Celtics trade Williams, especially to a division rival.
The Verdict: Do not expect much, but pursue