The Toronto Raptors are apparently part of the negotiations around Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers.
They have emerged as possible suitors to land the highly-coveted guard.
But apparently, they’re not willing to put all of their assets and players on the table to get him.
According to Kurt Helin, Scottie Barnes is “untouchable” in trade talks.
“Been told by multiple people it’s not that he was taken off the table, he was never in the same room as the table,” Helin said, according to NBACentral.
The Toronto Raptors have made Scottie Barnes untouchable in all trade talks, per @basketballtalk
“Been told by multiple people it's not that he was taken off the table, he was never in the same room as the table.” pic.twitter.com/8fVaK7IKFx
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 26, 2023
Does their refusal to move Barnes mean that the Raptors are out of the running to get Lillard?
Not exactly.
The Raptors have a deep roster and multiple players who could be traded over to the Blazers.
But, as we have seen, if the Blazers don’t get exactly who they want, they will just sit on Lillard and not negotiate.
There are multiple other players in Toronto who could be part of a package sent to Portland, including Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and rookie Gradey Dick.
In fact, ESPN is reporting that the Blazers are “intrigued” by Dick, a 6-foot-7 sharpshooter.
However, Barnes is definitely one of the most attractive players in the Raptors’ lineup.
During his first two years in the league, the former Rookie of the Year has averaged 15.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists with a 47.3% field goal percentage.
With Fred VanVleet now gone from the team, many people see him as the future of the franchise.
Therefore, it’s not surprising to hear the Raptors want to keep him safe and sound in Toronto.
Will Portland keep negotiating with the Raptors now that Barnes is protected?
We have just a few more days to find out.
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