The Toronto Raptors have been one of the most impressive teams in the league this season and Masai Ujiri may look at some trade deals at the deadline to upgrade the roster, as David West, Taj Gibson, Roy Hibbert or Jordan Hill could be targets and this comes as Landry Fields, Tyler Hansbrough, Lou Williams and Amir Johnson could be used as trade bait.
According to Sheridan Hoops, Chris Sheridan writes that the Raptors could be one of the more active teams at the trade deadline, as Masai Ujiri realizes that the east is wide open and this could be the chance for the team to make a deep run in the playoffs. The Raptors already made a big move this offseason by signing back Kyle Lowry and now they could be looking to make a run. Ujiri has been known as a shrewd GM and he could look at making a number of moves at the deadline.
Ujiri previously reshaped the Nuggets into a contender before leaving to take over in Toronto and he also orchestrated the Carmelo Anthony trade while in Denver. According to Basketball Insiders, the Raptors are looking to upgrade at the deadline and the biggest area of need for the team appears to be at power forward. The article speculates that names like Gibson, Faried and West could be the top targets, but that the Raptors likely will also look at lower level names that could be available. The Raptors don't want to part with draft picks and that could make the deals all about contracts and matching.
Gibson is a target for a number of teams, as the Sporting News reports that the Phoenix Suns, Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons and Clippers all could be interested in him. Gibson could be tough to move since he has two years and over $17 million on his deal, but he is just 29 years old and is a productive player. Gibson has not been playing as much with Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic in Chicago. Gibson is averaging 10 points and six rebounds per game this season, basically in line with his numbers from last year.
The Pacers may look at making moves, as both Roy Hibbert and David West could be potential targets. Sheridan writes that West could be the top option for the Raptors if they can't get Gibson, as Sheridan writes that the Raptors could deal some of their expiring contracts to take on West and his deal. The Raptors aren't in a bad situation to make deals, as Chris Sheridan writes that they have a bunch of players on contracts that are coming to an end.
Landry Fields is in at just over $6 million, while Williams is $5 million and Hansbrough is just $3 million. Hansbrough could be an option for teams like the Blazers, Clippers and Rockets, as they have dealt with injuries up front this season. Chuck Hayes is also a potential target along with Johnson, who is on a $7 million deal. The Raptors have been one of the more impressive teams in the league this season and they are currently leading the Atlantic division and are the favorites to win it.
