With Demarcus Cousins being shockingly traded by the Sacramento Kings this past weekend, the trade market has woken up and teams are either trying to buy the next big star -the Bulls Jimmy Butler has been subject of trade rumors for weeks now- or adding small rotation pieces, the Kings have been reported to be having a fire sale on basically anyone after trading their franchise centerpiece. Guys like Aaron Afflalo and Darren Collison have been reported to be on the move, and could help teams in playoff spots.
The Raptors have done some moving of their own before the deadline, sending Terrence Ross and a first round draft pick ( the lesser of two first rounders they have because it belonged to the Clippers) to Orlando for star 4 man Serge Ibaka. They needed a starting 4 that can defend and stretch the floor and they got him, for a pretty decent trade off even if Ross is having one of his better seasons. But the Raptors still need to make a move to help their defense and maybe bench depth after losing Ross.
The Phoenix Suns are one of a few teams that are for sure sellers come Thursdays Trade Deadline. One name that has been thrown around recently, is veteran wing defender PJ Tucker. The former Raptors pick has made a home in Phoenix after being let go by Toronto in 2011, and has made himself into a reliable defensive player with an honest three point shot that while is not an immediate threat, he can hit a few down the stretch and averaged a career best 38% from 3 in 2012-13. Tucker could be a cheap rental, seeing as his contract expires after this year, and it would provide some needed wing depth with some nice defensive skill. Terrence Ross could defend but was a rollercoaster, and that led to most nights of him getting beat off the dribble or off of screens. Tucker may not shoot like Ross, but with the defensive struggles the Raps have shown recently Tucker brings in a much needed aid.
The Suns being sellers at the Deadline would probably also mean that the Raptors would have to part ways with either a young player, a pick, or possibly both. With the addition of Ibaka, the Raptors are a little heavy with bigs. JV is not going anywhere, at least with what the Raptors are targeting and also he has played decently well to really try and dangle to a team like the Suns. Paterson is too valuable to just give away to a team that may not even have him come the off-season, and Sullinger has not played enough and has been too injured that the Suns probably wouldn’t want that hanging over their heads. They might have to part ways with Noguiera, or maybe get rid of either Siakim or Pertl. They are young with talent just getting better and better, but the Raptors are win now mode and may have to part ways with the future to better the present. The Raptors are in a dogfight for that number 2 spot behind the Cavs, and hopefully with Serge Ibaka and maybe an acquired PJ Tucker, the Raptors can reclaim the 2 spot and hopefully face off the Cavs again the in Eastern Finale.
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