3. Blazers convince Raptors to take another swing
Most are discussing the Toronto Raptors as sellers, but there has been no evidence of that. They bought at the 2023 deadline before missing the playoffs and finishing 41-41. Fred VanVleet left in free agency, but Toronto did not tear things down. Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Gary Trent Jr. can all be free agents in the summer of 2024, but the Raptors still have them on their roster.
Toronto may look to buy again before the deadline. They want to make the playoffs and have plenty of talent. Siakam is a two-time All-Star and Scottie Barnes is a blossoming building block. Could they add another ball-handler and playmaker to their mix?
Do not rule this out. The Raptors are 8-8 and in the thick of the Play-In Tournament race. They may feel like adding a piece or two can push them into the top six and guarantee a playoff berth. Their offense goes sideways at times, and Brogdon’s playmaking juice may be just enough to get them going.
The Trail Blazers would be eager to acquire a first-round pick from Toronto because they could be in the middle of a rebuild quickly. This could be a valuable selection, and it is worth calling the Raptors now and gauging their interest in Malcolm Brogdon.