The Raptors’ hold on a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference is tenuous, as the team has won just four of its lost 14 games to slip to 32-23, fourth in the East. While injuries have played a part in Toronto’s slump, the club could use some roster reinforcements, particularly at the power forward spot, where the Raptors have been on the lookout for a long-term solution in recent years.
Here’s the latest on the reigning Atlantic division champs:
- The Raptors have been “actively involved” in discussions for at least three power forwards, according to Sean Deveney of The Sporting News, who identifies Serge Ibaka, Danilo Gallinari, and Taj Gibson as potential targets. Ibaka and Gallinari have been linked to Toronto recently, but Gibson hasn’t been mentioned in many trade rumors this season. Back in July, a report indicated that the Raptors had been close to acquiring Gibson before Dwyane Wade agreed to join the Bulls.
- The Raptors are “playing hardball” in trade talks, per The Sporting News. A source tells Deveney that the club has resisted the idea of giving up Terrence Ross, and Deveney says Toronto also wants to keep Bruno Caboclo, who is a “project the team wants to complete itself.”
- According to Deveney, the Raptors are reluctant to give up substantial packages for players like Ibaka, Gallinari, and Gibson, who are all eligible for unrestricted free agency in the summer.
- Following the Raptors’ Sunday loss to the Pistons, Kyle Lowry aired his frustrations during a conversation with reporters. The star point guard suggested that things need to change in Toronto, and his comments were interpreted by many as a veiled criticism of head coach Dwane Casey. However, Lowry said today that he wasn’t directing his comments at anyone in particular, and Casey stressed that the club is sticking together through its rough patch (Twitter links via Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun and Josh Lewenberg of TSN).
So the Raptors want a good player in a trade but are not willing to give up anyone? What are they even offering? Hoping someone will take Carroll and a second rounder?
That’s because they are run well. Wy give up major assets for a rental? Hennigan will break eventually and want to get something for Ibaka, although grabbing Chandler and Gallo is more intriguing.
Because that’s the way trades for good players work. You have to give something to get something. Even a rental like Ibaka holds more value than say a couple of second round picks. The team isn’t going to make any significant additions if they’re not willing to move something.
Powell for Gibson and second rounder.
Bulls would pounce all over that one.
No way powell is going anywhere. Ross can go.
Lowry may have denied, but offensive play calling in 4th quarter was atrocious. Forgot about bigs……….period. Need a shakeup at the 4 that would be a legitimate option in Casey’s mind. Time to give up something to get something or this team is in trouble. Coach needs to be more creative with play calling and someone like Ibaka would help.
lol… smh, always the coach… players are the ones who have to execute any sets
Coach ha to give them something wowhile to run. Not just iso. Maybe a new 4 would be a legitimate option.
I bet they would be happy to give up demare carrol, he is a little overrated and overpaid, but I’m not a raptors expert, he reminds me of bazemore when I watch Hawks, he isn’t a bad player but not worth 15m a year when you see all the young Guys available for much less and Guys like iguodala, livingston making less or others making similar that are much better. I’d love to see them get another piece and challenge better for the east. But I’m sure Lebron will bully his way to the basket, and cry to the refs with his trademark whiny face he makes, all the way to the finals. I like galinari he is really unique player who doesn’t get much attention in Denver, 6’10, shoots 3, can really drive and pass and gets fouled a lot and he can guard perimeter and post, he is strong and moves feet well for his size, he is ultimate stretch 4 or occasional 5 in today’s game.