Toronto Raptors Add Native Canadian Wing To Talented Core In Fair Trade Proposal

The Toronto Raptors are assembling one of the most intriguing teams in the Eastern Conference, and another clever move could further solidify that vision. Fresh off acquiring former All-Star forward Brandon Ingram and already boasting the hometown talent of Canadian standout RJ Barrett, the Raptors might be able to add yet another Canadian wing to their growing arsenal.

On the other side, the Phoenix Suns are in the middle of a retool. After falling short of championship aspirations in the Kevin Durant and Devin Booker era, Phoenix will look to exchange veterans for a younger piece who fits their long-term timeline. That’s why we propose a deal that sends Canadian swingman Dillon Brooks (along with Royce O’Neale) to the Raptors. Let’s break down how this trade could benefit both sides.

Proposed Trade Details

Toronto Raptors Receive: Dillon Brooks, Royce O’Neale

Phoenix Suns Receive: Immanuel Quickley

Toronto Raptors Add A Win-Now Swingman To Talented Core

The Raptors want to move forward with a retooled roster with some fresh and established talent. By acquiring Brandon Ingram earlier this summer, Toronto gave itself a dynamic offensive option to pair with Canadian guard RJ Barrett and star Scottie Barnes. Adding another versatile Canadian wing, Dillon Brooks, through this proposed deal would create an identity that the team sorely needs. 

Brooks immediately boosts Toronto’s win-now goals, providing size on the perimeter, defensive versatility, and secondary scoring to balance out the roster. He posted solid averages of 14.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 1.7 APG on 39.7% 3-PT FG last season with the No. 2-seeded Houston Rockets. 

Royce O’Neale is another two-way wing who can hit threes and defend, and even if his numbers aren’t All-Star-worthy (9.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG on 40.6% 3-PT FG), he can do a very strong job off the bench. For a Raptors team that wants to win, adding two of these players can do wonders for them.

While Barnes and Ingram thrive as offensive engines, the addition of another two-way presence allows the Raptors to play more fluid, positionless basketball. The move strengthens the wing rotation, giving head coach Darko Rajakovic flexibility for the first time in his NBA coaching career.

For Toronto, this is about taking advantage of a wide-open conference. With the East as open as ever, the Raptors can’t afford to hover in the middle ground and should make a push to be in the playoff conversation as soon as possible. 

Phoenix Suns Continue Adding Young Assets

The Suns, meanwhile, have reached a crossroads. Despite building a superteam around Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, injuries and roster imbalances killed their playoff ambitions. With Durant and Beal gone already, trading away veterans for younger pieces allows them to reset without tearing down entirely.

This trade provides Phoenix with exactly that: an infusion of youth and upside that can be developed alongside Booker while creating financial breathing room for the future. They don’t need a nearly 30-year-old Dillon Brooks or a 32-year-old Royce O’Neal on the team, and adding the 26-year-old Immanuel Quickley (17.1 PPG, 5.8 APG) gives them another valuable asset to keep or flip for more assets.

From a front-office perspective, the Suns would be selling high on veterans who still hold strong trade value. In return, they’d gain a player who fits a more sustainable timeline, along with the opportunity to replenish their bench. 

Raptors Create An Exciting Starting Lineup

Starting Lineup: Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks, Brandon Ingram, Jakob Poeltl

Toronto’s starting five would come together very interestingly. We can put together a lineup featuring Scottie Barnes at point guard, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and the newly acquired Canadian swingman, anchored by a defensive-minded big man in Jakob Poeltl. 

That mix of length, versatility, and playmaking would instantly rank among the most entertaining in the Eastern Conference. Offensively, the Raptors would have multiple ball-handlers capable of initiating plays and creating mismatches. 

Ingram provides elite shot creation, Barnes adds a unique blend of power and playmaking, while Barrett and the new addition bring slashing ability and improved perimeter spacing. With so many interchangeable pieces, Toronto could run a free-flowing offense that keeps defenses guessing.

Defensively, this group has the tools to become a nightmare matchup as well. With wingspans and switchability at nearly every position, the Raptors would return to the identity that once made them a feared playoff opponent. Combine that with a renewed sense of energy from having multiple Canadian players leading the way, and Toronto would have a captivating side.