Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Insider discusses Raptors' approach to trade deadline

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 11/30/23

The Toronto Raptors are in a tough spot. They currently sit 10th in the Eastern Conference and look like a roster needing an overhaul.

OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam have both been in trade rumors over the past 12 months. Despite their obvious talents, neither projects to be a long-term building block for Toronto.

According to Shams Charania, who was speaking on a recent episode of FanDuel TV's "Run It Back," the Raptors could look to make some significant roster moves closer to the February 8 trade deadline.

"You have to give credit to Masai Ujiri in terms of talent," Charania said. "Scottie Barnes, no question, he's the untouchable. That's the guy who is not going to be available in a trade. But teams are keeping a close eye on this roster. Whether it's Siakam or OG Anunoby, both guys, they're on expiring contracts. So they're gonna be free agents this summer...As we get closer to this trade deadline, I think Masai Ujiri likes to wait until closer to the trade deadline. He’ll evaluate his team, and we’ll see if any of these guys finally do get traded.”

“I think as we get closer to the trade deadline, I think Masai Ujiri likes to wait until closer to the trade deadline. He’ll evaluate his team, and we’ll see if any of these guys finally do get traded.”

-@ShamsCharania on why the Raptors could be busy around the trade deadline. pic.twitter.com/9MkUCbT56y
— BASKETBALL ON (@BasketballOnX) November 30, 2023

Toronto's roster isn't built to succeed in the modern NBA. It needs more shooting to space the floor. Barnes is at his best when getting downhill and attacking the rim, while Siakam and Anunoby are too similar in terms of play style, as we've seen over the past few years.

Trading away one or both of their expiring stars would give the Raptors an opportunity to acquire the necessary assets to rebuild their roster around Barnes. It's clear Toronto believes he's the future of their franchise. So, it makes sense to accentuate his talents by adding players that can elevate his impact.

Ujiri has a reputation for being one of the best executives in the league. He will understand how badly the Raptors need to shake things up. If history tells us anything, it's that Ujiri won't just make a trade, he will knock it out of the park.

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