Toronto Raptors could make a play for big addition in a trade

The Toronto Raptors have experienced a disappointing start to the 2024-2025 NBA season, as they currently sit at 13th place in the Eastern Conference with a troubling 6-15 record. Their struggles have primarily stemmed from significant issues on the defensive end of the court, which has plagued their overall performance. Allowing an average of 116.8 points per game, the Raptors rank as one of the worst defensive teams in the league, sitting sixth in terms of points allowed per game. This porous defense has been a major hindrance to their ability to win games, especially given that their offense, while middle-of-the-pack in terms of efficiency, is not potent enough to make up for defensive lapses. For Toronto to turn their season around and become serious contenders for a playoff spot, they will need to significantly improve on the defensive side of the ball.

Unfortunately for the Raptors, their struggles don’t end with their defensive shortcomings. The team has also been hit by the injury bug early in the season, with key players like Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley missing significant time. The absence of these players has made it even harder for Toronto to maintain a consistent level of play, especially as Barnes, in particular, is a crucial part of the team’s young core. Quickley, who was expected to provide depth in the backcourt, has also been sidelined, leaving Toronto with fewer options off the bench and putting additional pressure on their remaining roster.

Despite these setbacks, there have been some bright spots for the Raptors, particularly from their young players. R.J. Barrett, in his fifth season, is having the best year of his career, averaging 23.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. His all-around play has been one of the few consistent positives for the Raptors this season. Additionally, rookie Gradey Dick has shown flashes of promise, contributing 18.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Dick’s scoring ability, particularly as a perimeter shooter, has been a welcome addition to the Raptors’ offense. The development of these young players provides some hope for the team moving forward, especially if they can stay healthy and continue to improve throughout the season.

With their young core performing well and the potential return of key players like Barnes and Quickley, the Raptors may find themselves in a position to make moves at the trade deadline to strengthen their roster further. Instead of looking to offload assets, the Raptors could emerge as buyers, looking to add another player who can help them make a push for the postseason. One player who could be a potential target is Deandre Ayton of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Ayton, the former first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has struggled to find consistency during his two seasons in Portland. After the Blazers selected center Donovan Clingan in the 2024 draft, Ayton’s future in Portland seems uncertain, as the team is in the midst of a rebuild. So far this season, Ayton has averaged 14.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 55.0% shooting from the field, numbers that are solid but not exceptional for a player with his pedigree. Despite his individual statistics, Ayton’s presence on a rebuilding team like Portland may not be as valuable, and the Blazers might look to move him to clear space for their younger players and potentially rid themselves of his hefty contract.

A potential trade between Toronto and Portland could involve the Raptors sending a package of players such as Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, Jonathan Mogbo, and draft picks to the Blazers in exchange for Ayton. Brown, with his versatility and experience, would provide Portland with a valuable trade asset, while Agbaji and Mogbo are young players with potential upside that could help the Blazers in their rebuilding process. Draft picks would further benefit Portland’s long-term strategy by giving them more flexibility in the future.

For the Raptors, acquiring Ayton would give them an additional young star to complement their existing core of Barnes, Barrett, Quickley, and Dick. Ayton’s presence in the frontcourt would provide a much-needed upgrade to their starting lineup, offering a more consistent scoring and rebounding option. Additionally, Ayton could give Toronto more flexibility with their current center, Jakob Poeltl. Poeltl could either move to the bench in a more traditional reserve role or become a trade chip for further upgrades. With Ayton in the fold, the Raptors would also gain more balance in their roster, allowing them to compete more effectively with other teams in the crowded Eastern Conference.

By adding Ayton, the Raptors would be taking a step toward making a serious push for a Play-In spot, provided they can keep their young core and Ayton healthy for the remainder of the season. The addition of another young, talented player with the ability to contribute on both ends of the floor would increase their chances of climbing up the standings and positioning themselves for a postseason berth. While there is still much work to be done, the combination of internal development and potential external additions could set the Raptors on a path toward better results as the season progresses.

MS