• The Toronto Raptors may be interested in joining the Damian Lillard trade race
• The Raptors have the makings of a roster that could transition into win-now mode with a superstar
• Lillard is actively working towards being traded to the Miami Heat
The Toronto Raptors have been confusing teams and fans in the NBA with their direction since their 2019 championship run. Despite some tough seasons, the team refuses to tank and rebuild its roster.
With many win-now pieces still on the roster, NBA reporter Jake Weinbach is suggesting the team could pivot to trying to acquire Damian Lillard to return to contention.
“The Toronto Raptors are a team to keep an eye on regarding the Damian Lillard sweepstakes. If Toronto expresses serious interest, Portland could be enticed by a package centered around OG Anunoby, Chris Boucher, salary filler, and draft compensation.”
Lillard and Siakam could be an interesting pairing, especially with Lillard’s old teammate Gary Trent Jr. also on the roster. Scottie Barnes could keep the team viable, or be the piece the Raptors send to Portland to keep OG Anunoby and make the ultimate win-now push.
Could The Toronto Raptors Acquire Damian Lillard?
If I’m the Blazers and I see an offer that has the name Scottie Barnes on it, I accept it without a second thought. Offers with OG Anunoby as the centerpiece may be harder to accept due to the Blazers’ rebuilding direction. Barnes on Portland would effectively give the franchise one of the best young cores in the league.
Toronto has previously acquired a player that didn’t want to go there in Kawhi Leonard, and made it result in a championship. Lillard is under a long-term contract and cannot control his future destination, so the Raptors may be an interesting compromise.
The Raptors could build one hell of a contender with Dame, Siakam, Anunoby, and Gary Trent. If they retain Barnes and use Anunoby with Gary or Boucher and a boat-load of picks, it is still plausible but may be challenging.
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