Fansided

3 struggling teams who could become NBA Trade Deadline sellers

By Jack McKenney

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 21: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves speaks with Rudy Gobert #27 before the game against the Utah Jazz at Target Center on October 21, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 21: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves speaks with Rudy Gobert #27 before the game against the Utah Jazz at Target Center on October 21, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 29: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors talks to Head Coach Nick Nurse during a free throw attempt during the first half against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on January 29, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 29: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors talks to Head Coach Nick Nurse during a free throw attempt during the first half against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on January 29, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

1. Toronto Raptors (13-15)

In a relatively disappointing year so far, Toronto has failed to rise to the top of a weak Eastern Conference. Quite frankly, the lack of success doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. The Raptors are arguably one of the deepest and most well-coached teams in the NBA. If their mediocre play continues, Toronto has some solid assets to deal that can help them re-boot for the 2023 season. Two in particular stick out — Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby.

It was rumored that the Raptors considered a deal that would send Anunoby to the Portland Trail Blazers for the number seven overall pick. Anunoby has a $19 million-dollar player option that he will likely opt out of, making him a free agent after the 2024 season. He’s an elite wing defender and volume scorer that any team would love to have.

Then there’s Gary Trent Jr., who’s coming off a career season in 2022. The former Blue Devil averaged 18 points per game, shooting 38 percent from 3. Trent Jr. is an average wing defender who can really shoot, replicating last year’s scoring numbers averaging just over 17 points per game this season. If things don’t turn around soon, Toronto should probably consider some changes.

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