{"id":47211,"date":"2022-05-11T16:03:53","date_gmt":"2022-05-11T20:03:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=47211"},"modified":"2022-05-11T16:03:53","modified_gmt":"2022-05-11T20:03:53","slug":"toronto-raptors-two-trades-to-consider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2022\/05\/11\/toronto-raptors-two-trades-to-consider\/","title":{"rendered":"Toronto Raptors: Two Trades to Consider"},"content":{"rendered":"

After being bounced by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Toronto Raptors should consider trades this offseason to bolster their roster. After losing\u00a0Kawhi Leonard<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>in 2019, the Raptors have been close to playoff contention but right outside that bubble. The roster right now, however, is quite talented with plenty of youth. A little bit of tinkering may have the Raptors set up to truly contend.<\/p>\n

Toronto Raptors: Two Trades to Consider<\/h2>\n

Upgrading the Backcourt<\/h3>\n

Toronto Raptors receive Talen Horton-Tucker<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Los Angeles Lakers receive Chris Boucher<\/a> (via sign-and-trade).<\/strong><\/p>\n

Toronto lays claim to a strong backcourt with the likes of\u00a0Fred VanVleet<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Gary Trent Jr<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0Malachi Flynn<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>may grow into a reliable backup, but for now, the Raptors need more help off the bench. Horton-Tucker is often mentioned in Lakers trade rumors, and the Raptors should look into this.<\/p>\n

This season Horton-Tucker averaged roughly 10 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game. Like many other Raptors players, Horton-Tucker is young at 21-years-old. He’s definitely more of a two-guard than a point guard, but will easily be one of the first names off the bench in Toronto. He’s talented on both ends of the court, and can also see time at the small forward spot. All in all, Horton-Tucker is long and a special athlete, which is right around Toronto’s alley.<\/p>\n

It’s difficult to gauge what the Lakers’ offseason will look like. With that being said, it’s clear they need frontcourt help. Anthony Davis<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is struggling with injury issues and looking like a shell of his former self.\u00a0Dwight Howard<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>can be replaced as well. Boucher can start alongside Davis, or come off the bench and contribute. He scores inside, but also stretches the floor. Finally, Boucher can guard the rim and block shots. He may also be redundant in Toronto due to the presence of\u00a0Precious Achiuwa<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>