The Toronto Raptors are one of the worst teams in the NBA season, which doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone. The rebuilding franchise currently holds a 10-32 record, the second worst in the NBA, behind the Washington Wizards, who have a 6-35 record. The Raptors sit 14th in the Eastern Conference, with the Wizards right below them.
At this point, the Raptors are one of the many teams hoping to score high in the NBA draft lottery, as the 2025 NBA Draft class is one of the most stacked in recent history. But they currently hold a lot of valuable assets, which they can cash in on to secure some more draft capital.
Several Raptors names have been mentioned in trade circles. And with the February 6th trade deadline fast approaching, here is the latest on everything surrounding the Raptors.
Bruce Brown Potential Buyout, Possible Destinations
Jake Fischer reported that the Raptors are looking to trade Bruce Brown, but given his sizeable $23 million salary, his struggles with injuries recently, and the fact that he is an expiring contract, teams might be skittish to give up big assets for him. A buyout is also an option for Brown, and actually one that is more likely.
Should the Raptors and Brown agree to a buyout, there are two teams mentioned in the report as potential landing spots for the former NBA champions. One of the teams is the Los Angeles Lakers, who were a leading destination for Brown two summers ago, sources said. But Brown would sign with the Pacers instead, and subsequently be traded to the Raptors for Pascal Siakam.
But a more likely landing spot could be the Denver Nuggets, who Brown famously played for during their 2023 NBA championship run. Many feel that losing Brown in the offseason hurt the Nuggets significantly.
“Bolstering Nikola Jokic’s supporting cast via the buyout market might prove to be the Nuggets’ eventual best option, since ownership would prefer not to surrender Michael Porter Jr. in a trade and given Denver’s longstanding difficulties in trying to find a trade partner willing to absorb Zeke Nnaji’s four-year, $32 million contract.”
“Of course, to even have a shot at Brown, Denver would still have to make some cost-cutting moves on the trade front in order to get under the first apron for luxury tax teams.”
If the team is presented with a chance to reunite with the forward, they will take it, even if they have to make some other moves to do so, as they are currently at the first apron of the salary cap, and would have to get under the apron to make space and sign Brown.
Kelly Olynyk Could Be Valuable Big Man
Kelly Olynyk, along with Nikola Vucevic, Jonas Valanciunas, and Robert Williams III, could be a sought-after player ahead of the trade deadline.
Olynyk, who was traded to the Raptors at the deadline last season, is an affordable big-man option for any team, as he signed a two-year, $26 million contract this offseason. But Olynyk almost made it to another team last season, and as Fischer revealed, they might be interested in him this season as well.
“It is important to note, furthermore, that Olynyk was nearly traded to Golden State ahead of last February’s deadline, sources said, before the Utah Jazz swung a deal to send the Canadian to Toronto instead.”
“The Warriors have signaled to rival teams that they are searching for frontcourt reinforcements again, but Golden State is also still evaluating its prospects and outlook in the Western Conference amid a great struggle…“
The Raptors might not come to terms with the Golden State Warriors over a trade but could find another team that wants to make a move for him. With his affordable contract making him an attractive option to struggling teams, do not be surprised if Olynyk becomes one of the names to headline the NBA trade deadline.
Chris Boucher Looking To Sign Extension
In the same report, Fischer noted that, unlike Brown, Chris Boucher is not a likely candidate for a buyout. This is a good thing for Boucher, as he wants to sign a contract extension with the Raptors, especially given how well he has been playing this season.
“Word is that the 32-year-old big man with the floor-spacing outside touch — while drawing trade interest from various teams — has interest in a contract extension with the Raptors.”
“Boucher has been blistering of late, shooting 59.3% from deep on his 27 long-range attempts in January. His midrange baseline jumper feels even more automatic when he snaps the ball above his head.”
“It’s believed that the Raptors, in a nod to how well Boucher has been playing and the steady contributions he has made to Toronto’s culture over the past seven seasons, would thus consider a contract extension that keeps him north of the border.”
If the Raptors do offer him a contract extension, that may mean that Boucher will remain in Toronto, at least till the end of the season. Perhaps the plan will be that the Raptors hold on to him for now, hope that he improves his value in the remainder of the season, and then cash in on his value in the offseason as they look to build around their next young recruit.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
