Assessing each team as Dec. 15th expands trade scenarios

Toronto Raptors

Players now eligible: Khem Birch, Isaac Bonga, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk

A recent article in The Athletic by Eric Koreen suggests the Raptors entered this season with the purpose of determining how the predominant 6’8 – 6’9 lineups would work. Koreen notes if Nurse or Masai Ujiri wanted to add big man depth they could’ve invited more centers (or actually ANY)  to training camp and elected not to.

The problem is they haven’t had Khem Birch for the last 10 games (13 overall) plus Precious Achiuwa is also out so they’re playing without a true center. Factor in OG Anunoby has missed 13 consecutive games and the trio of OG, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet have only played in three games together this season so it’s essential they get some reps with that trio and Scottie Barnes (and Gary Trent Jr.).

That said, Masai Ujrii won’t sleep on an opportunity to add talent or depth if it fits his big picture. Still, with Scottie Barnes looking like a bonafide star, I’d be surprised if Toronto makes any knee-jerk moves. At least not before Anunoby specifically is back. Barnes is already destroying any preconceived notion of what he was capable of and seemingly growing with each game (not to mention still growing in height as per Nick Nurse this week).

While some wondered if the Raptors would rip down the team to start afresh around Barnes they’ve demonstrated growth on both ends not coincidentally as Barnes also improves. They are a young squad who has yet to have a fully healthy roster and the betting odds are Ujiri won’t make any snap decisions until he gets to witness what Barnes, Siakam, and Anunoby can be together.

The one player who Ujiri will try to move is Goran Dragic but the question is whether it will be via trade or buyout. See Mavericks for a potential landing spot but not necessarily via a trade given their ease of schedule leading up to the deadline.