NBA Trade Rumors: 7 fringe contenders that need to make a deal

Toronto Raptors

Heading into the trade deadline, the Toronto Raptors have to weigh the present against the future.

Are they one obtainable piece away from becoming legitimate championship contenders? If not, is it worth giving up assets for a playoff run that isn’t likely to end with a ring?

With Kyle Lowry heading into free agency this offseason, the Raptors may decide to make one last push with this current core regardless of the future ramifications. In that case, they’ll need to bolster their frontcourt ahead of potential matchups against Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo or Domantas Sabonis in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Aron Baynes has been a disappointment in place of Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, while Alex Len lasted only seven games before getting waived. Chris Boucher has been a pleasant surprise, but he and Pascal Siakam won’t be enough to hold down the fort against bigger teams in a seven-game series.

The Raptors “are among the teams interested” in Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, although they’d have a tough time matching his $28.8 million salary in a trade. Unless the Cavs buy out Drummond, the Raptors will likely need a plan B for their frontcourt.

All statistics via NBA.com, Basketball-Reference or Cleaning the Glass unless otherwise noted, and are current through Sunday, Feb. 14. 

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