This season, the Toronto Raptors began their rebuild. The team traded Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby in an attempt to reorganize their roster around Scottie Barnes. It was a risky but essential action. Now that the Raptors were out of the running, it was time to hand the reins over to the 22-year-old All-Star. Which players fit for the rest of the season will be discovered.
Toronto needs a second star to help them achieve their goal of returning to the postseason as soon as possible. During All-Star weekend, Barnes had a number of recruitable prospects; who can they persuade to travel to Canada?
Bruce Brown has a $23 million team option with the Raptors this summer. Most likely, they’ll take it up and try to exchange him for a celebrity. There will be much to choose from, but what unlikely move does Toronto make? Here are a few outrageous choices.
5. Raptors find Fred VanVleet replacement
Losing VanVleet in free agency hurt and getting zero return made it worse. Toronto signed Dennis Schroder and traded for Immanuel Quickley, but neither is a star point guard. Barnes can handle the ball and make plays, but the Raptors need multiple creators if they plan on jumping into the title picture.
4. Raptors get young star four
Toronto just traded a star power forward in the final year of his contract. Could they acquire another one this summer? The Raptors will shop around. It appears they have their wings and center locked in meaning Toronto likely wants a forward or point guard to round out their roster.
3. Raptors and Knicks make wild swap
There are always trades nobody saw coming. Who expected Pascal Siakam to be dealt to the Pacers or Donovan Mitchell to the Cavaliers? Teams eager to improve can always find upgrades. It just may be surprising players they receive.
2. Raptors convince Nets to part with Mikal Bridges
The Nets have rebuffed several offers for Mikal Bridges since acquiring him in the Kevin Durant trade in 2023. Teams have been willing to offer multiple first-round draft picks, and the Rockets even tried to give Brooklyn their selections back. Nothing has convinced the Nets to part with Bridges, but that may change this summer.
1. Raptors get a superstar
The last time Masai Ujiri traded for a superstar on an expiring contract, the Raptors won the championship. It was a bold move as Kawhi Leonard lasted just one season in Toronto. Ujiri is not afraid to get uncomfortable and a similar situation could be brewing in Cleveland.
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