TORONTO — Financial restrictions and luxury tax pressures are forcing front offices to get highly creative with asset management ahead of this month’s main event. Indications around the league suggest the Raptors and Thunder will try to make this logical 3-pick trade soon to solve contrasting roster dilemmas.
Raptors and Thunder Expected To Make Logical 3-Pick Trade Soon
General Manager Sam Presti is managing a harsh numbers crunch in Oklahoma City, where the franchise currently holds multiple draft assets but has all 15 standard roster spots completely occupied. To prevent a logjam and preserve flexibility, Oklahoma City is widely expected to restructure select active contracts or pursue more radical pathways to trim down their long-term payroll.
The Thunder control the No. 12 and No. 17 overall selections in the first round. While there are numerous ways to package those assets in a larger blockbuster deal, league insiders suggest Sam Presti is far more inclined to bundle them to move higher into the lottery. Another option available to him is sending an individual selection to another team in exchange for a future first-round asset. Raptors GM Bobby Webster could be on the other end of that call.
Understanding the Roster Math
The Raptors enter the offseason in a completely different position than Oklahoma City. Toronto currently features 13 players under standard contracts, leaving exactly two open spots perfectly tailored for incoming rookies. The franchise controls the No. 19 and No. 50 overall picks. However, the front office can easily convert that late second-round slot into a two-way contract to evaluate talent with minimal financial risk, keeping a standard roster spot clear for a higher-tier prospect.
By striking a deal to jump into Oklahoma City’s premium real estate at No. 12 or No. 17, Toronto secures the positioning necessary to target specific elite tier talent. Front office rumblings suggest the organization is heavily prioritizing switchable length and interior toughness to anchor their secondary unit.
Targeting the National Championship Blueprint
If a transaction materializes, I believe Toronto will look closely at the standout frontcourt duo from the national champion Michigan Wolverines. Forward Yaxel Lendeborg has rocketed up draft boards after displaying elite point-of-attack defensive versatility and an improved perimeter shot during his senior campaign. At 6-foot-9, his ability to switch across multiple positions make Yaxel Lendeborg an ideal fit for modern defensive schemes.
Simultaneously, big Morez Johnson presents a dominant-albeit-undersized interior alternative. Measuring 6-foot-9 with an explosive motor, Morez Johnson provides elite rim protection, high-energy rebounding, and interior scoring. Executing a draft-night leap ensures Toronto locks down a premier prospect while helping Oklahoma City balance their overflowing roster sheet.
© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
