Where do the Toronto Raptors stand post trade deadline? Well, they have a legitimate center in Jakob Poeltl. However, they had to give up a protected first round draft pick and two second round draft picks. They also signed Joe Wieskamp to a multi year deal after having him on two 10 day contracts. Not the trade deadline most expected as many thought one or more of Gary Trent Jr., Fred Van Fleet and OG Anunoby might be traded. However, it sounds like some of the offers for these players were not to management’s liking and so they decided to stay the course and add this core. Was it the right decision? I am not sure but it doesn’t really matter now as they picked their direction now. What does this mean going forward?
Toronto Raptors Post Trade Deadline, Where do Things Stand?
Because they have doubled down on this core for the rest of the season, they are going to try to make the playoffs. Be it the play in tournament or a top six seed, the Raptors will have their work cut out for them. Fortunately, their schedule is favorable so they have some winnable games for sure. Also, the early returns on Poeltl have been quite amazing! In his third game against the Orlando Magic, he had 30 points on 15 for 17 shooting, nine rebounds and six blocks. He was dominate and really helped the Raptors unlock their pick and roll game. A beneficiary of this was Fred Van Fleet who had 15 assists. Yes you read that right! Also, it seems that the defense is at it’s best when he is on the floor.
Now if Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby come back from injury after the all star break, then you have a pretty nice line up. Obviously there will be questions about who will be starting and who will come off the bench but that is a good problem to have. But with everyone back, they can make a real run for the playoffs in the last 24 games. So what will they do after the season?
Toronto Raptors Post Trade Deadline – Evaluate to See Who Fits
After the season, the Raptors will sign Jakob Poeltl to a new deal as they gave up a lot to trade for him. Also, the early returns is that he fits with the club and provides what the raptors desperately need. Beyond that it is evaluating if Gary Trent Jr., Fred Van Fleet, and OG Anunoby are a fit moving forward. Actually, it is really more about if they are worth keeping at a certain price. If the Raptors can sign all three of them for team friendly deals, they would. But that will not be the case. Gary Trent and Fred Van Fleet will both opt out of their current deals. Gary is looking for a deal probably between $20 to $25 million per year range. Is Gary worth that? He is young and can grow but his is still basically a shooter. However, he can improve. Fred Van Fleet is looking for a new deal in the $30 to $35 million range. Are you willing to invest that much in an undersize point guard who needs to handle the ball and loves to shoot. Does having Poeltl help Fred to be more of a traditional point guard? Finally, OG Anunoby does not seem happy with his role. Does it make more sense to trade him while his value is at an all time high, and get back potential draft capital and younger players?
Conclusion
Management has a lot of decisions to make but one thing should be clear is that Jakob Poeltl, Scottie Barnes and Precious Achiuwa will be the core that they will build around moving forward. So any decisions that need to be made will be made with enhancing these players growth and abilities. Pascal Siakam will probably be part of this core but they have a decision in the next year or two if they will supermax him. A big decision indeed. Next season, the Raptors could look very different next season with a different core but they also be similar. It all depends how things shake out in the next few months. Interesting times in Raptor land.
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