Raptors HQ - Trade Deadline 2015: What Should the Raptors Do?The International Fan Site of the Toronto Raptors Basketball Clubhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/14481/raptors-fave.png2015-02-20T09:00:03-05:00http://www.raptorshq.com/rss/stream/78353842015-02-20T09:00:03-05:002015-02-20T09:00:03-05:00Trade Deadline: How It Impacted The Raptors
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l3K9SxTTHKxbVh7LzH8rfm5morY=/24x0:3279x2170/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45732454/usa-today-8268109.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Toronto was not involved in any trades on a record setting day, but they were still impacted by the moves made.</p> <p>As expected, the Raptors did not do anything at the trade deadline yesterday. Meanwhile, the rest of the league went absolutely crazy, as a record number of players were moved at the deadline. You can find all the trades that happened <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2015/2/18/8055663/nba-trades-list-rumors-deadline">here</a>. Even though Toronto didn't make any moves, here's how they were impacted by the deadline deals:</p>
<p><b>1. There's another first round opponent they may want to avoid now.</b></p>
<p>It's getting to a point where no easy first round matchup exists, a strange thing to say given that we're in the Eastern Conference. Yesterday, the Miami Heat upgraded their point guard position by acquiring Goran Dragic from the Phoenix Suns (and brother Zoran!) without giving up anyone from their core group.</p>
<p>So now, the Heat, who are 22-30 and in a tie for eight place with the Charlotte Hornets, suddenly look like a potentially scary first round opponent, and can roll out a fourth quarter lineup of Dragic-Wade-Deng-Bosh-Whiteside.</p>
<p>Unless the Bucks collapse in the second half, Miami is likely to finish seventh, which means they'll draw the second seed in the first round, which would be the Raptors right now.</p>
<p>Many people seem to want to see Cleveland-Miami in the first round for obvious reasons, and you know what, I'm all for it! We'll happily take the Bucks on NBA TV. Let's dooo thissssssss!</p>
<p><b>2. The draft pick acquired in the Andrea Bargnani trade looks even better now.</b></p>
<p>In 2016, the Raptors will get the lesser of the Knicks or Nuggets first round pick, which means they'll get the lower pick of the two. New York -- one of the teams Dragic was said to have been interested in going to -- did not make any impact moves at the trade deadline, and unless they strike rich this off-season, are slated to go through another rebuilding year in 2015-16.</p>
<p>As for the Nuggets, they traded away JaVale McGee and Arron Afflalo, and might continue unloading their assets during the summer and next season (Ty Lawson and Wilson Chandler would be the next to go).</p>
<p>So, both teams are slated to be in the lottery for 2016, which means the Raptors will have a chance at a relatively high pick.</p>
<p><b>3. Internally, the Raptors didn't get caught up with making a win now move.</b></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I asked Masai about the expirings (Hayes, Fields) specifically He said "we had a couple of things going in that regard" opted for chemistry</p>
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) <a href="https://twitter.com/WolstatSun/status/568548041352994816">February 19, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>Also, read <a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/02/19/toronto-raptors-believe-in-our-guys-stand-pat-at-trade-deadline/" target="_blank">the quotes</a> from this post-trade deadline article from Eric Koreen. Dwane Casey and Masai Ujiri are managing expectations here, to treat the second half as an evaluation process instead of a championship run, which was never a realistic goal, and still isn't even with the team at 36-17. I know, I must be really fun at parties, to be the guy who keeps reminding people this team isn't winning it all while they're having a franchise best first half start, but Ujiri wasn't going to get caught up with making a win now move and sacrifice a valuable asset (like Ross or Valanciunas), draft picks, or flexibility.</p>
<p>I'd say that's a good thing.</p>
<p>What does everybody think?</p>
https://www.raptorshq.com/2015/2/20/8074211/how-the-trade-deadline-impacted-the-raptorssteven_lebron2015-02-19T10:54:54-05:002015-02-19T10:54:54-05:00Trade Deadline Discussion Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7ikOtu9mhwpB72XyYuS8boGvyUo=/0x52:2179x1505/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45726052/usa-today-8379965.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Or, who knows, maybe there's a surprise waiting for me.</p> <p>The trade deadline is here, and even though I've spent the last few days proposing Boogie to Toronto trade scenarios in private conversations a.k.a. daydreaming, it doesn't appear as though the Raptors will be doing much.</p>
<p>Earlier this week, a potential David West for Terrence Ross swap was being passed around, but Masai Ujiri shot that down yesterday, making clear that he would be surprised if Ross was traded.</p>
<p>Could the Raptors make some upgrades? Sure. But there isn't any names out there that make sense, nor do the Raptors make sense as a team to make any significant changes to alter the core of their roster. If it makes sense: the Raptors roster is actually pretty set, not in a way that they're set to be championship contenders but in that they have a roster where guys are slotted into their roles, save for the wing rotation of James Johnson, Greivis Vasquez and Ross, in which one person always seems to be squeezed out of minutes.</p>
<p>They're 36-17 and even though they still have 18 road games remaining against 11 home games, they're well on pace to get close to 50 wins and set themselves up as a favorite with home court advantage with the first round.</p>
<p>Of course, the rest of the league may be busy as we approach the 3 pm est trade deadline. Goran Dragic, Reggie Jackson and Enes Kanter are among the players who have requested a trade.</p>
<p>Discuss it all here.</p>
https://www.raptorshq.com/2015/2/19/8069373/trade-deadline-discussion-thread-expect-a-quiet-day-at-least-for-thesteven_lebron2015-02-18T13:00:03-05:002015-02-18T13:00:03-05:00Trade Talk: Possible Scenarios for the Raptors
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PtWP_aij2aDuONJIDtVU6ju3NBs=/233x0:4807x3049/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45706598/usa-today-7255738.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With the NBA trade deadline set for February 19, here are some possible trade scenarios for the Toronto Raptors.</p> <p>Throughout this season, trade rumors involving the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a> have been few and far between as GM Masai Ujiri continues to preach continuity and chemistry as the key ingredients for building a successful team. With the trade deadline inching closer, the Raptors aren't expected to make any significant moves but it's safe to assume the front office will explore options if they can address certain team issues without giving up their main core of assets.</p>
<p>Given these circumstances, let's consider a few trade scenarios that strictly involve Toronto's expiring contracts and second round picks.</p>
<h5><b>Toronto Trades Landry Fields and a Future 2nd Round Pick to Denver for <span>Wilson Chandler</span></b></h5>
<p><b></b></p>
<p>Wilson Chandler has been a recurring name in trade talks around the league this year. He's a player the Raptors have <a href="http://www.raptorshq.com/2012/2/22/2817502/chandler-in-toronto-to-discuss-possible-signing-with-raptors">previously coveted</a> under Bryan Colangelo and someone Ujiri is familiar with from his time in Denver. Chandler is an athletic wing that can score and crash the glass effectively, which also enables the ability to play him at power forward in small-ball lineups.</p>
<p>At his full potential, Chandler can be highly valuable to the Raptors as a 3-and-D forward. That said, his defensive form has regressed over the years due to nagging injuries and he is only shooting 34 percent from three-point range this season. To make matters worse, he's posted a net rating of -6.9 so far while the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Nuggets</a> perform with a positive net rating of 1.5 when he's off the court. Additionally, he is owed $7.2 million next season (though only $2 million guaranteed; shades of <span>John Salmons</span>?).</p>
<p>For Denver, the goal is to accumulate young assets and create cap flexibility. Fields' expiring contract is useful here but is a future second round pick enough of a sweetener for Chandler? I have to believe there are better deals on the table for Denver but anything is possible.</p>
<h5><b>Toronto Trades Landry Fields and <span>Greg Stiemsma</span> to Charlotte for <span>Marvin Williams</span></b></h5>
<p><b></b></p>
<p>Despite failing to live up to draft-day expectations, Marvin Williams has managed to carve himself a decent career as a jack-of-all-trades role player in the NBA. He's a serviceable small forward that can defend well with his speed and length, rebound the ball effectively for his size, and play off the ball by cutting to the basket or camping at the three-point line. His production this season hasn't been very good (shooting 33 percent from three), as his numbers in nearly every statistical category have declined in comparison to last season with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Jazz</a>. However, that can be attributed to the fact that Charlotte has been playing him as a stretch four off the bench, a role that has been challenging for him to succeed in.</p>
<p>For the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.atthehive.com/">Hornets</a>, the trade offers cap relief by taking on two expiring contracts, although neither player provides any real solution to their roster. Marvin's absence would however make room for their rookie <span>Noah Vonleh</span> (a more natural stretch four) to finally enter the rotation. The question for Toronto is, do they take a chance on Williams given the $7 million remaining on his contract next season?</p>
<h5><b>Toronto Trades Landry Fields and <span>Chuck Hayes</span> to Denver for <span>Danilo Gallinari</span></b></h5>
<p><b></b></p>
<p>After missing the entire 2013-14 season due to tears in his left ACL and right meniscus, Danilo Gallinari has shot poorly from the field (34 percent) and from three (30 percent) this year in limited playing time - understandably so given his 18-month absence from NBA action. But prior to his injury, Gallo was often a focal point in the Nuggets' balanced offense, putting up per game averages 16.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 2012-13. When healthy, he is a skilled forward with decent jumpshooting range and although he isn't revered for his defense, he has enough size and speed to pester opponents with similar frames - <a href="https://twitter.com/sportando/status/376312885582237696">just ask Kevin Durant</a>.</p>
<p>Denver is looking at a salary dump here but for the Raptors, the risk in trading for him is obvious: he's owed $11.56 million next season (fully guaranteed) and he's currently a shell of his former self. But other than Chuck Hayes' veteran presence, the Raptors don't lose much here and if the team is setting their sights high on the 2016 offseason (i.e. The Summer of KD), Gallinari's expiring contract next year becomes a valuable chess piece in clearing cap space for a max contract.</p>
<p>Now, a break down of some basic and advanced stats for the players mentioned (including some good years and bad):</p>
<table width="646" cellpadding="0" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Player</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Team</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Season</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>GP</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>MPG</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>FG%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>3P%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>FT%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>PPG</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>RPG</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>APG</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>SPG</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>BPG</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>TOV</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Wilson Chandler</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>DEN</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>13-14</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>62</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>25.1</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>41.6%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>34.8%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>72.4%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>13.6</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>4.7</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1.8</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.7</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.5</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1.3</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Wilson Chandler</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>DEN</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>14-15</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>52</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>31.7</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>42%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>33.8%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>80.7%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>13.9</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>6.0</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1.5</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.6</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.4</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1.4</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Marvin Williams</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>UTA</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>13-14</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>66</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>25.4</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>43.9%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>35.9%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>78.1%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>9.1</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>5.1</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1.2</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.8</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.5</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.8</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Marvin Williams</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>CHA</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>14-15</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>48</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>24.6</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>42.4%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>33.3%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>66.7%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>6.6</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>4.6</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1.2</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.9</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.4</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.9</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Danilo Gallinari</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>DEN</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>12-13</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>71</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>32.5</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>41.8%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>37.3%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>82.2%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>16.2</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>5.2</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>2.5</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.9</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.5</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1.6</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Danilo Gallinari</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>DEN</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>14-15</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>35</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>19.3</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>34.4%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>29.6%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>90.0%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>8.2</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>3.0</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1.1</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.5</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.2</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.8</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table width="603" cellpadding="0" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<p style="text-align: center;">Player</p>
</td>
<td>
<p style="text-align: center;">Team</p>
</td>
<td>
<p style="text-align: center;">Season</p>
</td>
<td>
<p style="text-align: center;">ORTG</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(ON)</p>
</td>
<td>
<p style="text-align: center;">DRTG</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(ON)</p>
</td>
<td>
<p style="text-align: center;">NET</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(ON)</p>
</td>
<td>
<p style="text-align: center;">ORTG</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(OFF)</p>
</td>
<td>
<p style="text-align: center;">DRTG</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(OFF)</p>
</td>
<td>
<p style="text-align: center;">NET</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(OFF)</p>
</td>
<td>
<p style="text-align: center;">eFG%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p style="text-align: center;">TS%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p style="text-align: center;">C&S3P%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Wilson Chandler</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>DEN</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>13-14</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>102.9</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>107.5</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>-4.6</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>103.7</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>103.4</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>0.3</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>49.9%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>52.6%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>34.9%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Wilson Chandler</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>DEN</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>14-15</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>101.4</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>108</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>-6.6</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>101.5</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>100.1</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>1.5</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>49.3%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>51.7%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>33.9%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Marvin Williams</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>UTA</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>13-14</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>104.7</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>110.4</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>-5.6</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>97.7</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>108.1</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>-10.4</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>51.9%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>54.0%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>37.0%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Marvin Williams</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>CHA</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>14-15</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>98.7</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>101.9</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>-3.2</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>96.8</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>99.0</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>-2.2</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>51.6%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>53.2%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>33.6%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Danilo Gallinari</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>DEN</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>12-13</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>108.8</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>101.6</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>7.2</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>106</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>102.5</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>3.5</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>49.5%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>56.1%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>N/A</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Danilo Gallinari</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>DEN</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>14-15</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>101.4</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>99.2</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>2.2</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>101.5</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>107.3</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>-5.8</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>42.7%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>51.1%</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>28.3%</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>(All stats from <a href="http://stats.nba.com/">NBA.com</a>)</p>
<p>Based on Toronto's <a href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/28/report-terrence-ross-riding-bench-in-toronto-but-will-not-be-traded/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter">unwillingness to trade any major assets</a> and the lack of attractive names kicking around the rumor mill, it's hard to see Ujiri make any move at all before the deadline. What the Raptors could really use is a forward that can stretch the floor and defend the perimeter effectively (basically a combination of <span>Terrence Ross</span> and <span>James Johnson</span>). However, those players are only dealt at a premium in today's NBA. Thus, it may be best for the Raptors to carry on with their current group of players and re-evaluate the roster at season's end.</p>
<p>What do you guys think of these options? Is there something else you think the Raptors could do?</p>
https://www.raptorshq.com/2015/2/18/8051271/trade-rumors-speculation-toronto-raptors-trade-deadline-2015Kayvan N2015-02-18T10:11:34-05:002015-02-18T10:11:34-05:00Masai: Ross Isn't Going Anywhere
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SGxzEicqmKRJ04AGi9yiIXlwvMY=/0x92:3747x2590/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45717296/usa-today-8115103.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Terrence Ross has been floated around in rumors this week. But Masai Ujiri doesn't think anything will happen before Thursday's trade deadline.</p> <p>Earlier this week, a potential Terrence Ross for David West swap dominated discussions online. Last night, Michael Grange of Sportsnet spoke to Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri. You can read the entire piece <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/ujiri-doesnt-see-raptors-moving-ross-at-deadline/">here</a>.</p>
<p>Masai on Ross going to a new team before the deadline on Thursday:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>"I would be shocked if we did something with Terrence," Ujiri said Tuesday night. "Trust me. I can’t tell you more how I totally don’t think that would happen before Thursday."</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>On the development of Ross this season, which has stagnated:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>"How many guys on our team can raise up and make a shot with someone in their face, like Terrence? They aren’t many in the league," said Ujiri. "He’s had lapses on defence but that’s something you grow out of with experience. He is really a two-way player; he has ability to stay in front of guys, he can hit a shot; he’s athletic as hell and he can hit threes. Every team is looking for players like that.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>And on where the team stands in the Eastern Conference and as contenders, which I am -- not surprisingly -- relieved to hear that Masai is very realistic:</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="margin-bottom: 2rem; font-family: ff-din-web, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.6000003814697px;">"We’re a young, good team. I don’t think we’re that great of a team, but we’re learning how to play and how to win so we have to give them that opportunity," said Ujiri. "Do we have holes? Yes, but I don’t think now is the time to get desperate to fill them.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 2rem; font-family: ff-din-web, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.6000003814697px;"><span>"We’re second in the East, we’re 19 games above .500. That’s not too shabby."</span></p>
</blockquote>
https://www.raptorshq.com/2015/2/18/8061361/masai-i-would-be-shocked-if-we-did-something-with-terrencesteven_lebron2015-02-18T09:00:03-05:002015-02-18T09:00:03-05:00Trade Talk: Masai Ujiri is Really into Nic Batum?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iuSPpIcNDnc6O_2QjPnZmQUlpTs=/116x126:2988x2041/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45712016/usa-today-8373789.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here's the latest random bit of trade speculation: turns out Raptors GM Masai Ujiri is really big into the Portland Trailblazer's Nicolas Batum.</p> <p>Please file this one away under "Interesting <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Raptors</a> trade speculation" (and then I swear, move on with your day).</p>
<p>According to <a href="http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2015/02/17/sheridan-trade-deadline-lookahead-kanter-to-thunder">Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops,</a> Raptors GM Masai Ujiri has been after Portland Trailblazer <span>Nicolas Batum</span> for some time now. Who knew? To quote Mr. Sheridan:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>- I expect the Toronto Raptors to make a hard push for a power forward who can score more easily than the <span>Amir Johnson</span>/<span>Patrick Patterson</span> combo, but it would surprise me if Masai Ujiri can pull something off. But also keep this in mind about Ujiri: He has been trying to get his hands on Nicolas Batum for ages, and he will give up just about anything to land the French forward.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Three things of note to take away from this little tidbit:</p>
<p>1) Coupled with the David West-for-Terrence Ross rumour, it definitely appears as though the Raptors are at least glancing around for front court scoring help. Given the fact that <span>Jonas Valanciunas</span> is their only real scoring threat in the post, and that he can't quite stay on the court in crunch time, these feelers from Ujiri are not surprising.</p>
<p>2) Again and again we keep hearing how unlikely it'll be for the Raptors to pull off a trade. They do have a few salary dump assets (hello Landry Fields!), but in terms of tangible talent, only Ross moves the needle. At the very least, a trade by the Raps this year would probably be a shoring-up-the-bench type move and not a blockbuster.</p>
<p>3) Hmm, Nicolas Batum? Obviously, if what Sheridan says is true, one would assume that Ujiri is looking for 2011-2014 Batum and not the most recent iteration. This year, poor Nicolas has been lost in a funk so profound, I'm surprised Blazers fans haven't started sending nightly care packages to his house. (Wait, or have they?) At the very least, Ujiri would be buying super low on Batum, a do-it-all wing who is still only 26 years old.</p>
<p>Portland's situation, while not identical, has some similarities with that of Toronto. Both teams have solid identities, both have built up a bench where previously there had been none, and both are playoff bound teams that appear a notch or two away from true title contention. Most importantly, both have great locker room chemistry (to say nothing of their actual trade assets), which makes completing a worthwhile deal really tough.</p>
<p>Still, we Raptors fans can wonder. What do you guys think?</p>
https://www.raptorshq.com/2015/2/18/8056511/trade-speculation-masai-ujiri-toronto-raptors-nicolas-batumDaniel Reynolds2015-02-16T13:46:00-05:002015-02-16T13:46:00-05:00David West for Terrence Ross Trade In The Works?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PI8oS0pxV3K4y8UC6cCbaPxkg3g=/0x119:3198x2251/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45700576/usa-today-8347580.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Would this make sense for the Raptors?</p> <p>With the trade deadline approaching, the rumors are about to fly. Here's <a href="http://grantland.com/the-triangle/nba-trade-deadline-primer-2015-denver-nuggets-ty-lawson-kenneth-faried/" target="_blank">an interesting nugget</a> from Zach Lowe's column today:</p>
<blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;">
<p>Ross has been coming off the bench since mid-January, and though he can shoot, the rest of his game has stagnated — especially his defense. The Raps are listening to incoming offers on Ross, per several league sources, and a couple of power forwards on borderline playoff teams stand out as intriguing targets: David West and Kevin Garnett.</p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>The Raptors appear to want to upgrade their front court, but of course, with any trade, the question becomes: at what cost. Ross has not taken another step forward in his third season, but he is still, well, in his third season. With DeMar DeRozan, we saw incremental improvements every season to the point now that the's a former All-Star and key contributor to the game.</p>
<p>There's a risk with giving up on someone like Ross, but if the Raptors don't want to commit to Ross for the long-term -- and he (and Jonas Valanciunas) are eligible for an extension this summer -- perhaps it's worth exploring the market now. Even then, Toronto doesn't have to make a decision on Ross until the summer of 2016 when he can hit restricted free agency.</p>
<p>West's contract runs through the 2015-16 season. He will make $12.6 million season.</p>
<p>What does everyone think?</p>
https://www.raptorshq.com/2015/2/16/8046737/discuss-david-west-for-terrence-ross-trade-in-the-workssteven_lebron