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The Toronto Raptors are performing really well this season and are currently 4th in the Eastern Conference with a 25-14 record. After Kawhi Leonard left them in the off-season, not many backed them to make the playoffs. However, Pascal Siakam, along with the rest of the Raptors team have proved them wrong.
Even though they are 4th and staking a claim for home court advantage, the Raptors are in a tight spot, just half a game ahead of the 5th place Indiana Pacers and 1 game ahead of the 6th place Philadelphia 76ers. A matter of 2 or 3 games could turn the season on its head.
The Raptors president, Masai Ujiri is known for making quiet deals for players, without anyone catching a whiff of what is going on (cue DeMar DeRozan). It is certain that the Raptors need to make a few deals, especially with the core of their team over 30 years old. Here are the 3 players whom the Toronto Raptors should target before the trade deadline.
Also read: Toronto Raptors vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Match Preview and Predictions - 15th January 2020
#3 Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons)
Andre Drummond is a very polarising figure in the NBA. He has put up stellar numbers throughout his career and has missed only 12 games since his sophomore year in the NBA.
He has improved himself each year, be it rebounding or free throw shooting or his passing ability. Last season, Drummond averaged 17.3 points and 15.6 rebounds per game, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16.
This season too, Drummond has continued his excellent form, averaging 17.4 points and 15.7 rebounds per game. His defensive stats are really good, averaging 1.9 steals and 1.8 blocks this season.
Even though the Pistons have lost Blake Griffin to a potential season ending injury and with the future looking bleak, they are willing to trade Drummond, as he will be on his final year. This could be the perfect opportunity for a team like Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors have started off the season really well, but they are in dire need of an awesome rebounder. Marc Gasol is just not doing it for them anymore and the Raptors will be bolstered immensely if they can move for Drummond.
Trade deal:
The Pistons get: Marc Gasol, 2020 1st round pick and 2021 2nd round pick.
The Raptors get: Andre Drummond.
#2 Robert Covington (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Robert Covington is probably the most important player for the Minnesota Timberwolves when it comes to defense and floor spacing. He is the perfect 3-D player, defending almost all the positions and shot around 38% from the 3 point line.
While he is an important piece for the Wolves, he does not fit the timeline that the Wolves seem to be building for. The Wolves are currently 12th in the West with a 15-24 record and their chances of making the playoffs this season feel slim.
Covington is on a team-friendly $11m per year contract until he is 32 and could be just what a title chasing team like the Toronto Raptors really need. Covington is averaging 12.7 points per game, along with 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1 block a game as well. His talents would really make the Raptors a force in the West as they need a player like Covington to help shore up their defense while staying dangerous on the offensive end.
The Timberwolves get: Norman Powell, Chris Boucher and the 2020 2nd round pick.
The Raptors get: Robert Covington.
Also read: NBA Trade Window: 3 teams that should consider trading for Robert Covington
#1 Tristan Thompson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Tristan Thompson has been a great comeback story this season under the new Cavaliers head coach, John Beilein. Thompson is averaging 12.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists, all of which are career-high numbers. The Canadian native might not be the fastest or the best interior defender, but he can hold down the fort and is a really aggressive defender, who can improve a team who needs his talents.
His resurgence has been a boon for the Cavaliers, as he has been the best player on the court for them. This also helps them try and trade Thompson for younger assets which will help fuel their rebuild. He is owed $18.5m and is in the final year of his deal, making him a perfect trade asset for a championship squad.
The Toronto Raptors lack a big man who can dominate the paint like Thompson has been doing this season and a deal involving the huge expiring contracts that they have on their veteran players could be enough to swing the deal.
The Toronto Raptors get: Tristan Thompson and Matthew Dellavedova.
The Cleveland Cavaliers get: Marc Gasol and 2020 first round pick.
Guess the Lakers players!
