NBA Trade: 3 players the Toronto Raptors should consider trading

The Toronto Raptors enter the 2019-20 season off the back of a stunning first-ever championship-winning campaign, although few fans expect a repeat this year.

An unlikely title was not enough to stop Kawhi Leonard heading home for Los Angeles, while the Raptors have also lost key contributors such as the excellent Danny Green. The majority of the Toronto roster is also on the wrong side of 30 and entering the final year of their existing contracts.

Nevertheless, the current roster should be good enough to reach the postseason, although the likes of the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks are likely to prove too strong in the playoffs.

Due to this, the Raptors front office are likely to be open to trades, and here we will look at three individuals that the team should consider trading.

#3 Serge Ibaka

Serge Ibaka was impressive during the NBA Finals

At times during the 2019 postseason, Serge Ibaka rolled back the years to reach the heights from his days with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Congolese center dominated the glass, and also demonstrated exactly why he led the league in blocks in both 2012 and 2013.

However, Ibaka is expected to play a backup role to Marc Gasol, and the 29-year-old will struggle to reach the near 30-minutes per game he averaged before the Spaniard's arrival last season. Additionally, Ibaka’s game continues to decline due to a loss of agility, and the former Thunder man will also hit free agency next summer.

Admittedly, Ibaka may enjoy a resurgent season as he plays for his next big contract, and there is no doubting his status as one of the best backup bigs in the league. However, with Toronto no longer in contention for a title, Ibaka appears to be a poor fit, and the Raptors could look to cash in.

#2 Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry will hit free-agency next summer

For years, many questioned Kyle Lowry’s status as an All-Star, and further criticism was aimed at the 33-year-old following an awful opening playoff series against the Orlando Magic. However, Lowry's performances improved as the postseason progressed and the veteran was instrumental as the Toronto Raptors overcame the Golden State Warriors in six games.

However, Kawhi Leonard’s departure has left the Raptors facing a rebuild, and Lowry’s current deal will expire next summer. Despite turning 33 earlier this year, Lowry still holds value as one of the NBA’s most consistent guards, and the Raptors demonstrated last summer that the franchise is willing to make bold moves – even at the expanse of their most loyal stars.

Understandably, the Raptors will have the mentality of entering the season with much of their championship-winning roster, although Lowry could be part of a clearout ahead of the February trade deadline.

#1 OG Anunoby

OG Anunoby may be used to facilitate a bigger trade

Despite skepticism that he would struggle to adapt to playing at the highest level, OG Anunoby has shown plenty of promise during his early stages in the NBA. Anunoby has found a regular place in the Toronto Raptors rotation, racking up almost 150 appearances over two years, and is coming off a season where he averaged 7.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per game.

Anunoby missed the entire playoffs after undergoing surgery, and many are hoping to see a third-year jump from the now fully-fit youngster.

However, as one of the Raptors’ few promising young talents, rival teams will want Anunoby included in trade packages that include Toronto's aging stars, and the franchise could give in if the right offer comes along.

Anunoby's departure would be a loss for the defending champions, although his inclusion in an expanded trade could land the Raptors with the draft picks that could be used to build around Pascal Siakam.