The Toronto Raptors have struggled so far this season and are the 11th team in the East with a 9-13 record.
After a summer of big changes, they clearly aren’t where they want to be, which means some big changes could be on the horizon.
The Raptors are willing to trade away very valuable assets in the months ahead, according to Shams Charania and The Athletic, but Scottie Barnes is not one of them.
Barnes has been “deemed untouchable in any trade conversations,” according to Charania.
Scottie Barnes has been deemed untouchable in any trade conversations, league sources tell @ShamsCharania.
But Toronto could be open to moving other pieces.
Details ⤵️https://t.co/zVsHZcNDQK pic.twitter.com/nkSCvJTiia
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) December 11, 2023
For the last few seasons, it’s become increasingly clear that Barnes is probably the future of the franchise.
This season, the former Rookie of the Year is posting 19.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.
The Raptors are going to cling to Barnes and any team that attempts to woo him away will be disappointed.
But Toronto will engage in trade talks about two other big names on the team.
According to Charania, the front office is open to deals involving Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.
Just a few seasons ago, both of those players were also considered untouchable.
However, a lot can change when a team consistently fails to live up to expectations.
Siakam leads the team in points and is putting up 20.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5 assists a night.
Meanwhile, Anunoby is recording 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
Both players could be on the chopping block and apparently, the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Indiana Pacers are all keen on both players.
Anunoby has a $19.9 million player option for next season that he will probably decline.
This only gives the Raptors more incentive to trade him off as soon as they can so they can get a return on him before he leaves.
It sounds like there could be a shake-up coming for the Raptors, but Barnes won’t be part of it.
NEXT: Fred VanVleet Opens Up On Decision To Leave Toronto