NBA News Roundup, Thursday, July 11th: Carmelo Anthony's Lakers move in doubt, Toronto Raptors not interested in rebuild and more

Toronto Raptors won't trade away their existing veteran stars

Kyle Lowry has been linked with a trade away from the Raptors this summer

The Toronto Raptors are coming off their first-ever championship-winning season, although the team's chances of competing next season appear in doubt after losing Kawhi Leonard in free agency.

Danny Green also left for the Lakers, and a number of veterans such as Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, and Serge Ibaka have been linked with a trade.

However, according to Toronto Raptors Beat reporter Josh Lewenberg, the Raptors are happy to keep their veteran core for the 19-20 season.

The Raptors have no plans to trade vets Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol or Serge Ibaka (all on expiring deals) ahead of the season, I’m told. As he’s done previously, Masai is expected to give his team an opportunity to sink or swim before choosing a path and deciding on its future.

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) July 10, 2019

Without Green and Leonard, the Raptors should still be good enough to reach the NBA playoffs due to the lack of depth in the Eastern Conference.

However, the team will struggle to compete with the likes of the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, and a first-round postseason elimination appears likely.