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5 important goals for the Toronto Raptors this offseason

By Holden Walter-Warner

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 31: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket agains the Toronto Raptors during the first half at State Farm Arena on January 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 31: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket agains the Toronto Raptors during the first half at State Farm Arena on January 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 03: De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on November 03, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

5 important goals for the Toronto Raptors this offseason: 2. Go hunting for a star…

It’s been some time since the Raptors went fishing for a big name. In recent years, they’ve seen the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and DeMar DeRozan depart. It might be time to get a bigger star to put Toronto back in the spotlight.

First, the Raptors would have to think about what they’d be willing to give up, as stars don’t come cheap. Scottie Barnes is untouchable and Siakam and VanVleet might as well be. Anunoby could be in that category as well, but he’s the most likely asset that would get a big trade done.

Gary Trent Jr. appears to be a more likely trade candidate. This year’s second-round pick or next year’s first-rounder are also in contention to be moved if the Raptors want to shake things up.

With that in mind, who should the Raptors pursue?

De’Andre Hunter is a name that’s been floated at Raptors Rapture. He averaged 13.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game and is good as a switchable forward on the defensive end. He stepped up big in the postseason at times, too, and the Atlanta Hawk is coming off his best year as a shooter.

Another fun possibility is trading for Derrick Rose. He was a solid contributor for the New York Knicks when he was healthy, and that franchise isn’t as far along in their contention window as they thought after the previous year. He could be a really good backup guard behind VanVleet.

The rumor mill has pointed towards one veteran big man as a trade candidate. He may be best to avoid, though…

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