Not so long ago, the Toronto Raptors were one of the strongest NBA championship candidates.
That’s not the case anymore, as they’re 23-30 and sitting at the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference.
There has been plenty of rumblings around the league about the players and Nick Nurse not seeing eye-to-eye, while others state some of the veterans want to play for a contender.
Whatever the reason, it’s evident that the Raptors need to hit the drawing board and start over.
With that in mind, NBA insider Shams Charania predicts that both OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam will be traded.
.@ShamsCharania shares his NBA Trade deadline thoughts 👀⁰⁰🏀 biggest name to get traded⁰🏀 most aggressive team at the trade deadline
⁰📺: @FanDuelTV | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/jctWDFji9c— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 2, 2023
Needless to say, two borderline All-Stars like them could gauge a hefty trade package ahead of the deadline, as they could both be just what a contender needs to take a massive leap forward.
Despite his team’s struggles, Anunoby has been one of the strongest candidates for Defensive Player of the Year, and his athleticism and defensive versatility and youth make him the best potential trade target this season.
As for Siakam, he’s one of the best passing big men and a guy who can stretch the floor with his shooting, as well as play both at the four and the five and hold his own on the defensive end of the floor.
Moreover, the Raptors could also look to part ways with guards Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr., so it seems like reigning Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes will get plenty of shots in the final stretch of the season.
NEXT: The Raptors Continue To Look Like A Mess
