NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Toronto Raptors players to watch out for as trade deadline nears
The Toronto Raptors are among the most interesting teams to watch as the trade deadline nears. They have several players that are 28 years old or younger that could be made available. While the Raptors have reportedly not made a decision regarding how they will approach the trade deadline, they have several players who will be highly coveted if they are made available.
Many conversations in the league are going through one team today: the Toronto Raptors.
#1 Pascal Siakam
While it is unclear if Pascal Siakam will be made available, he will likely be one of the most coveted players on the market if he is. The 28-year-old forward is currently averaging 24.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field.
Siakam, who is under contract through the 2023-24 season, has made one All-Star Team and two All-NBA Teams and helped lead the Toronto Raptors to the 2018-19 championship while being named the Most Improved Player of the Year.
#2 OG Anunoby
OG Anunoby may be even more coveted than Siakam if he is made available. While he has not performed as strongly as his teammate, Anunoby is just 25 years old and under contract through the 2024-25 season, although he holds a player option for the final year of the deal.
Anunoby, who was also a member of the 2018-19 title-winning team, has averaged 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 45.7% from the field, 36.6% from 3-point range and 82.1% from the free-throw line. Due to his age, Anunoby has received interest from teams looking to win now, as well as teams who view him as a long-term asset.
#3 Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet has the ability to opt out of his contract following this season, which could make him more of a rental option. The one-time All-Star has still generated plenty of interest as he is among the top point guards available at the deadline. VanVleet, who was yet another member of the Toronto Raptors' 2018-19 title-winning team, appears most likely to be traded as his future in Toronto is unclear.
VanVleet is currently averaging 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists,1.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 39.7% from the field, 34.4% from 3-point range, and 89.7% from the free-throw line.
In addition to the three names above, Gary Trent Jr. could also be highly coveted at the trade deadline. Trent Jr., who just turned 24 years old, has the ability to opt out of his contract following this season. He is currently averaging a career-high 18.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field, 37.3% from 3-point range, and 83.5% from the free-throw line.
While each of the four names listed could be moved before the trade deadline, NBA analyst Marc Stein recently reported that he doesn't believe the Toronto Raptors want to move Siakam and Anunoby, both of whom are under contract following this season.
"Based on my reporting… I don’t think Masai Ujiri wants to seriously entertain a Siakam or Anunoby trade now, but a lot of people around the league still think there is time for that stance to change."
- @TheSteinLine on the Raptors heading into the trade deadline. https://t.co/rkwvUwNoH4