Toronto Raptors Rumours: 3 players that could be traded this summer

The Toronto Raptors are currently going up against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals, and the franchise are in a strong position to finally reach the NBA Finals. However, Kawhi Leonard's pending free agency has cast a cloud over the future of the franchise, and whether the superstar remains or not - major changes are expected this summer.

Toronto executives have also previously demonstrated their willingness to make bold trades - with last summer's Leonard/DeRozan swap being among the most memorable deals in recent history. Another blockbuster deal remains possible and with major changes likely this summer, here are three of the individuals that could be set for an exit from the Raptors.

#3 Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry continues to be an important performer for the Toronto Raptors

Kyle Lowry continues to be Toronto's second star, and his Game One 30-point performance against the Bucks highlighted his importance to the team. However, according to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, Lowry's future with the franchise depends on Kawhi Leonard's free agency decision:

Kyle Lowry is most likely to hit the chopping block if Kawhi Leonard leaves in free agency. The Raptors, at that point, could always regroup around their floor general, Marc Gasol and Pascal Siakam, but they'd still lose their contender cachet, and all three would be up for new contracts in 2020.

Starting over has always felt like the intended reaction to Leonard's potential departure. Lowry is 33 and has no business on a roster without championship motives.

Since being traded to the Raptors back in 2012, Lowry has been named an All-Star on five occasions. During the 18/19 regular season, he averaged 14.2 points, 8.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.

#2 Fred VanVleet

VanVleet has led Toronto's offense from the bench

Fred VanVleet was not selected in the 2016 draft, although he has since found a spot in Toronto's rotation. The 25-year-old has performed well in his backup role to Kyle Lowry, although Bleacher Report suggests that the Raptors will consider trading him this summer:

Fred VanVleet is working off a down year after he generated Sixth Man of the Year buzz last season. The Raptors aren't getting much for him in standalone deals. Larger trade packages are a different story.

No-one is safe if the Raptors lose their MVP. They could let VanVleet's salary come off the books while they try to stay relevant with Marc Gasol (player option), Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam, or they could look to sell off whatever assets they have and steer into a rebuild.

During the regular season, VanVleet averaged 11.0 points and 4.8 assists per game - and he is set to earn $9million for the 19/20 campaign.

#1 Pascal Siakam

Siakam has excelled this season and played an integral role alongside Kawhi

Pascal Siakam has enjoyed a breakout 18/19 season, and he is among the favourites to take home the NBA's Most Improved Player award. However, if Kawhi Leonard ultimately opts to commit his future with the franchise, the Raptors could target a second superstar such as Anthony Davis, and Bleacher Report believes that Toronto would be open to trading Siakam:

Davis is still better. Siakam would be worth dealing if it means keeping him long-term. A Leonard-Davis duo, with Kyle Lowry and Marc Gasol (player option), would make Toronto the Eastern Conference alpha next season. Neither the Knicks nor Lakers will beat this offer. The Celtics can, but Siakam is the best individual player the Pelicans can receive ahead of next season.

Due to his rapid development over the past 12 month, Siakam is only likely to leave if a superstar is made available to the Raptors.