According to a report, multiple teams, including the Nuggets, Clippers, and Grizzlies, had staff in attendance at the outing between the Raptors and Warriors on January 13. This comes after an earlier report signaled the Nuggets’ interest in Chris Boucher. It’s not just Boucher who has fans outside the organization, as teams are also interested in other Raptors players. With the trade deadline fast approaching, here are the Raptors generating the trade buzz.
The Raptors Are Ready To Be A Player At The Trade Deadline
Bonjour Chris Boucher
Boucher has been on an absolute heater recently. In his last six games, Boucher has been averaging 12.7 points and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 68.2% overall and 60% from three. Being an eight-year veteran, a hot string of games won’t change how teams view him much. However, Boucher is showing everyone what he can do when he’s on at the perfect time. Denver has been most closely linked with Boucher, viewing him as a solution to their continued backup big problem. With Boucher on a $10.8 million expiring deal, Denver has the salaries to match. It’s unclear what a possible return for Boucher would be, but Denver has a few young players that the Raptors could be interested in. Of all of Toronto’s trade pieces, Boucher is the easiest to move and has been the best of the tradeable players this season, making him Toronto’s best deadline deal piece.
Howdy Bruce Brown
Since acquiring Bruce Brown last season, his name has been constantly mentioned in trade rumors. A deal hasn’t yet materialized, but Brown is still viewed leaguewide as the most likely Raptor to be traded. Brown’s play this season has been lackluster, with the guard only appearing in nine games. He missed the first chunk of the season due to knee surgery late into the offseason. Since coming back, Brown has been putting up 7.2 points and 3.4 rebounds, shooting 43.3% overall and 31.3% from deep. Those numbers aren’t impressive, and with Brown’s $23 million contract, it’s hard to see a team wanting to pursue him. However, where Brown’s actual value is, is in how his contract can be used to help facilitate other deals. Brown’s deal is expiring this offseason.
So, for a team like the Heat that wants out of the Jimmy Butler situation without long-term money coming back, Toronto and Brown’s expiring $23 million might be able to help them out. Brown is only two years removed from closing finals games for the Denver Nuggets and is still a player who could help a contender now.
Sup Kelly Olynyk
The big man has been a valuable player in the NBA for some time, and most teams around the league need more of them. This is especially true for highly-coveted stretch fives. So, it’s no surprise that Kelly Olynyk has suitors outside of Toronto. Olynyk is shooting a blistering 45.2% from deep this season. The volume is low, with only 31 total attempts, but Olynyk is a career 37% shooter from deep, and that touch is still there this season. Around the league, the Warriors seem most interested in the sharp-shooting big.
The Raptors Other Trade Assets
While Boucher, Brown, and Olynyk are the most likely Raptors on the move, the team has other players drawing attention. Jakob Poeltl has been drawing attention from other teams, but the Raptors seem steadfast in their stance on not trading him. Of course, if the deal is right, Poeltl is not untouchable, but he plays a critical role for Toronto. Davion Mitchell has been in some rumors due to an expiring deal, as he could help with a significant move. The Raptors have the ability to be a big player ahead of the trade deadline.
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