The NBA draft is always a prime time for trades to happen, with around 5-10 trades occurring each year. This year, with financial restrictions in the new CBA, a ‘flat’ draft pool, and some teams in tricky situations, the draft-day-trade cycle is expected to be particularly active. The Toronto Raptors, armed with picks #19 and #31, are one team that could make moves that will impact their long and short-term aspirations. Whether they choose to move up for a lottery-level talent or trade down to accumulate future assets will reflect their plans for the future.
The suggestion to trade center Jakob Poeltl to move back into the lottery has been circulating, but it’s not a logical move. Poeltl has become instrumental in the development of the Raptors core, providing essential skills like screening, sealing, and pick-and-roll abilities. His presence has been crucial for players like Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett. Unless the Raptors are certain they can fill the void left by Poeltl, they should not trade their current starting center. His value to the team is evident in his positive net rating in every 2-man lineup he has been a part of with a starter.
In a couple of potential trade scenarios, the Raptors could move up using Bruce Brown’s expiring salary and taking on longer-term contracts. One option involves trading with the Sacramento Kings for Harrison Barnes at #13, providing the Kings with cap flexibility and the Raptors with a savvy veteran presence and a higher draft pick. Another option is to trade for Lonzo Ball with the Chicago Bulls at #11, giving the Raptors a chance to move up and acquire an injury-recovering player. The Raptors could also consider a trade with the Utah Jazz for John Collins at #10, but this would likely require additional future assets to entice the Jazz.
For trade-down options, the Raptors could consider a trade with the New York Knicks for Bojan Bogdanovic at #24 and #25 in exchange for #19 and Bruce Brown. This deal would provide the Raptors with additional draft picks in a flat draft pool. Another option would be to trade #31 to the Los Angeles Lakers for Max Christie at #55. Taking a swing at a potential trade for Collin Sexton with the Jazz at #29 and #32 in exchange for #19 and Bruce Brown could also be a bold move for the Raptors. This trade could give the Raptors a player who can address their need for a backup point guard.
Ultimately, the trade decisions made by the Toronto Raptors at the NBA draft will have significant implications for their future as a team. Whether they choose to make moves to acquire higher draft picks, veteran players, or additional future assets will depend on their assessment of the current roster and their long-term goals. The draft presents an opportunity for the Raptors to shape their team and make strategic decisions that will impact their competitiveness in the league moving forward.
