Toronto Raptors trade rumors: 3 players the Raptors could sign ahead of the trade deadline

The NBA trade deadline will close ahead of the annual NBA All-Star Event in North Carolina. The trade window has historically closed on the Thursday after the All-Star Game, however, since 2018, the deadline has closed 10 days before the NBA's best players face off in the prestigious game.

The deadline was moved forward in order to allow traded players to sort out arrangements for themselves and their families, and the NBA is unlikely to move the deadline back anytime soon. Nevertheless, the trade deadline is still one of the most exciting times for NBA fans, and the seven days are likely to provide a number of twists and turns.

The Toronto Raptors are among the teams that are likely to be active in the final days of the trade window. Toronto's current starting lineup is extremely strong, however, one or two additions to the bench would make the Raptors the strong favorites to advance from the East. So, as we enter the final few days of the trade market, here are three players that the Raptors are keen to sign.

#3 Garrett Temple

Garrett Temple has been enjoying one of the best seasons of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies, and the 32-year-old is currently averaging 9.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. The versatile veteran has long been established as a strong defender, and over the last few years, Temple has also added a long-range shot to his arsenal.

The veteran will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, and ESPN is reporting that the Grizzlies are willing to trade Temple due to the fact that the team is unlikely to make the playoffs. Ultimately, there is no doubting that the veteran would be a good addition to the Raptors roster, and Garrett should be available for a draft pick.

#2 Rodney Hood

Cleveland Cavaliers v Minnesota Timberwolves

The Cleveland Cavaliers have suffered a miserable 18/19 season, although a few members of the Cavs roster have continued to perform well. Among them is Rodney Hood, who has played 44 times for the Cavs this season, averaging 12.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Hood will become a free agent in the summer and The Athletic is reporting that the Cavs want to move him ahead of the trade deadline:

The Cavs you saw last night will not be the same team when they play at Washington on Feb. 8. They’re looking to move Rondey Hood and Alec Burks at minimum. Bigger deals are possible

While there are no guarantees that Hood will re-sign with the Raptors in the summer, the 26-year-old would provide a reliable scoring option from the bench until the end of the season. Hood has the experience of reaching the Finals with the Cavs last season, so if the Raptors can acquire Hood for little in return, a deal makes sense.

#1 Dewayne Dedmon

Although Serge Ibaka has performed well while playing as the Raptors' center so far this season, the team still needs to add a reliable backup. Greg Monroe was signed to do this last summer, however, the Raptors have been extremely reluctant to give the 28-year-old minutes, and Monroe is averaging just 11 minutes per contest.

Meanwhile, over in Atlanta, Dewayne Dedmon has become a starter for the first time in his career, and there is no doubting that the 29-year-old is playing the best basketball of his career. Dedmon is currently averaging 10.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, and Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the Hawks are willing to trade the center away due to his contract expiring. Dedmon looks to be the best option available to the Raptors ahead of the deadline, although the team may be reluctant to meet the Hawks asking price of a first round pick.

Edited by Kishan Prasad