“Triple Threat” is a column by James Bao in which he covers trends in the NBA through an analytical lens.
The Toronto Raptors are in hibernation. But this time, the turnaround could be quick.
Ever since Kawhi Leonard brought home the franchise’s first Larry O’Brien trophy (and then dipped), Raptors fans have felt a lack of excitement and direction.
However, the team’s trades this year have fueled optimism for another Jurassic Park takeover sooner than anticipated.
After four transactions in six weeks, the Raps turned these players:
- Pascal Siakam
- OG Anunoby
- Dennis Schroder
- Precious Achiuwa
- Otto Porter Jr.
- Thad Young
- Malachi Flynn
Into these:
- RJ Barrett
- Immanuel Quickley
- Bruce Brown
- Kelly Olynyk
- Ochai Agbaji
- Jordan Nwora
- 2024 first-round pick (via Pacers)
- 2024 second-round pick (via Pistons)
- 2026 first-round pick (via Pacers)
No, these trades don’t exactly seem the most glamorous on paper and most definitely will not make an immediate impact — but they pave the way for a potentially game-changing offseason.
Losing Anunoby is a tough pill to swallow, but acquiring a former third overall pick plus an almost sixth man of the year type player could be worth it. Many of us forget Barrett and Quickley’s talents, as they’re often overshadowed by the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
Since the trade on Dec. 30, Barrett is averaging 20.7 points (up from his Knicks average of 18.8), shooting 54.7% from the field (up from 42.8%), grabbing 6.8 rebounds (up from 3.9) and dishing out 3.9 assists (up from 3).
We’ve already seen Quickley’s off-ball craftiness in New York, but he’s also an excellent ball handler that should fit comfortably beside first time All-Star Scottie Barnes, who’s been assuming a point-forward role. In theory, the 6-foot-2 guard should thrive in Toronto as both an off-ball weapon and a play initiator, relieving some of Barnes’ playmaking pressure.
Siakam’s departure was inevitable, in my opinion. Despite being a core contributor in the 2018-19 championship season, the Cameroonian forward is turning 30 and about to make a bag that the Raptors can’t afford.
Re-signing the talented forward would take a max contract, which means losing 22-year-old Barnes when his rookie deal ends next season due to salary cap restrictions, and the Raptors aren’t about to let their former fourth-overall pick walk for nothing.
By engaging in a three-team deal that sent Siakam to the Pacers, the Raptors acquired multiple draft picks and a solid backup guard in Brown, whose contract includes a $23 million team option next year. The front office can keep him for that amount, let him go or try to bring him back for less money.
Toronto’s intentions are clear at this point — they’re prioritizing flexibility and preparing for a successful offseason.
This is evinced by two more trades at and around the trade deadline on Feb. 8. The team unloaded Schroder’s upcoming $13 million to the Brooklyn Nets for Spencer Dinwiddie, who immediately got waived to create more cap space.
Olynyk and Agbaji were also welcomed to the 6ix. The former is in the last year of his deal, and the latter is a 2022 lottery pick who can develop into a rotational guard in the near future. Though a first-round pick was traded away as a part of this deal, it’s projected to be the lowest among four other teams involved, likely meaning a late-round selection that won’t significantly influence the immediate future.
After these changes, Toronto is expected to hold approximately $55 million in cap space this offseason. This allows them to carry Quickley’s restricted free agency bid while still leaving space for headline signings.
If all things go right, the Jurassic Park’s revival could be just around the corner.
“Triple Threat” runs every Tuesday.