The 2018 30-team NBA mega-trade that solves nothing and makes everyone mad
By Ian Levy
Toronto Raptors
Sending out: Lucas Nogueira (PHX)
Bringing in: Doug McDermott (NYK)
Let’s be honest, the Toronto Raptors don’t need much. DeMar DeRozan has been fantastic this season and their evolved offensive system has been spectacular. Statistically, they look like the best team in the Eastern Conference and their deep bench is as good as it’s ever been. Nogueira has shown some promise but he’s been mostly pushed out of the rotation by Jakob Poeltl and even that role may shrink in the playoffs when the Raptors spend more time with Serge Ibaka at center in small ball lineups.
In exchange for sending out Nogueira, the Raptors add another shooter in McDermott. He still hasn’t shown the ability to do much else but he’s a 39.3 career 3-point shooter. He’s here as a safety valve, in case someone gets hurt. With the way the Raptors are playing this season shooting depth seems more pressing than size depth.