Toronto Raptors Trade Rumors Heating Up
Rumoured trade between the Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors involving Gary Trent Jr. is heating up among fans. The trade has been reported to involve OG Anunoby or Gary Trent Jr. for Draymond Green, but it's unclear if this would be a good move for either team.
Trent Jr.'s numbers are down this year, but he still has value and can be a difference maker when he's on the court. On the other hand, OG Anunoby is a 3-and-D player with great upside. He's currently the NBA leader for defensive player of the year award and he would provide a valuable defensive presence for the Warriors. The question is however, why would the Raptors trade OG away for Draymond Green who is practically washed up at this point of his career?
It's unclear what else would be included in the trade, but it could potentially include a number of draft picks coming back to Toronto. The Raptors would benefit from adding more picks, while the Warriors could use an OG or G money to make a run in the playoffs.
Why it makes sense to trade away Garry Trent Jr. now
Garry Trent Jr. is mostly likely going to be a free agent this summer by not picking up his player option. He will demand a large sum of money. If the team were to trade Trent Jr., they'd likely receive less compensation than they would if they kept him on their roster.
Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman are the other two names from the Golden State side getting thrown in the mix. Kuminga is a raw talent who has yet to really show his full potential, but he has immense upside and will be a force to be reckoned with in the future.
Acquiring Jonathan Kuminga or James Wiseman would make more sense from a trade standpoint for the Raptors. Both players have smaller salaries than Trent Jr., which means that the Raptors could easily afford to give them up without sacrificing too much value in return.
What really the Golden State Warriors want
The Golden State Warriors are more interested in trading for Toronto Raptors' MVP in Pascal Siakam as supposed to Grarry Trent or even OG. Siakam could join the Warriors and make an immediate difference - he has demonstrated his potential to become league MVP, which would make the Warriors favorites for another championship. Siakam is a versatile player who can play both forward positions and could be a valuable addition for Golden State. Siakam averaged 24.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists this season before getting injured.
In addition, the Warriors would ideally like to add another big man, therefore Christian Koloko has rumored to be on the Warrior's wishlist. Koloko is still on his rookie contract and the Raptors should be able to move him with ease.
Is it worth it all?
Overall, this trade would benefit the Warriors more than it would the Raptors, and it's unlikely that Toronto pulls the trigger on a deal unless they get great value in return. Even if Garry Trent Jr. walks this summer , the Raptors can still receive something of value in return, whether that's a draft pick, an experienced player, or prospects via a sign and trade.
In additions, we still don't know how good this Raptors team is. It's early in the season, and no one can accurately predict what is going to happen in the playoffs. It's important for Toronto not to overreact and make rash decisions - they have to go over every possible scenario carefully and make sure they're getting a fair deal in return.
Only time will tell what happens with this trade, but one thing is certain: the Raptors should make sure they're getting value out of any potential deal. Otherwise, it's simply not worth it.
