NBA Trade Rumors: Raptors willing to trade DeMar DeRozan, would rather move Kyle Lowry

The Toronto Raptors were supposed to be selling off their current assets to build for the future. Before they could do that though, the team suddenly got really good and are now leading the Atlantic Division by three full games over the Brooklyn Nets.

After the Rudy Gay trade in late 2013, the Raptors kicked it into gear and are now 24-21 and in control of a top spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The team’s meteoric rise in the East has led to trade talks surrounding the Raptors to cool off significantly, but that doesn’t mean they’ve completely stopped. ESPN insider Chris Broussard is reporting that the team could still move DeMar DeRozan if a team offered up a substantial trade package in return.

DeRozan being traded is highly unlikely though, as Broussard reports the team is confident he can lead the team, while the same cannot be said about Kyle Lowry. Toronto is more likely to move Lowry due to the fact that they don’t think they’ll be able to give him the money he thinks he’s worth once he hits free agency this summer.

That doesn’t mean Lowry will be traded, as the Raptors would have a hard time selling to move to fans. Still, moving Lowry is an option and if the Raptors do indeed make a move at the deadline, it’ll likely only involve Lowry and no one else of significant value.