5 trade ideas to save the Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) is in tonight's FanDuel daily picks. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) is in tonight's FanDuel daily picks. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 7, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) during a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz at Target Center. The Jazz defeated the Timberwolves 94-92. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) during a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz at Target Center. The Jazz defeated the Timberwolves 94-92. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jared Sullinger and Terrence Ross to Utah for Boris Diaw and Alec Burks

Toronto prides itself on its multicultural makeup. Adding French-born Boris Diaw would certainly be a welcome addition to Toronto. The French-speaking Quebec media would certainly love a player who can communicate to them in their first language.

From a basketball perspective, this is a gamble by Toronto. Diaw’s number have declined across the board in his first season in Utah and his importance to their rotation has been minimized. But Diaw is a proven winner, creative player who fills the Raptors need at the four. Given Diaw’s ability to space the court, set screens and pass, he would make the Toronto offense even more fun to watch. Naturally Diaw is a better fit beside Valanciunas than Sullinger is. Additionally, Diaw was able to matchup well against the LeBron James’ Miami Heat teams in the NBA finals. However that was several years ago and the Cavs are different from those Heat teams. Swapping Ross for Burks would hurt as Burks has struggled to stay healthy and is currently recovering from ankle surgery. However, it could open more minutes for the promising Powell.

The reason why Utah would make this trade is mostly financial. Diaw is signed for one more season and $7 million. Sullinger is a free agent at the end of the season. The deal would also open more minutes for Trey Lyles and Ross would deepen their wing rotation for a playoff push.