The Toronto Raptors are perceived to be the only team that can offer a realistic challenge to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The only caveat is that the Raptors seem to be a man short-with a real lack at the power forward position. There have been many names being linked to address this need, Markieff Morris of the Phoenix Suns and Thaddeus Young of the Brooklyn Nets among them. Raptors GM Masai Ujiri has his work cut out for him.
That list has expanded according to Zach Lowe of ESPN as he assessed the Raptors' situation.
"It's hard to find a workable match among more realistic big men: Markieff Morris, Kenneth Faried, Ryan Anderson, Channing Frye, Terrence Jones, Donatas Motiejunas, Young and perhaps one or two others. Ujiri almost never trades first-round picks, and unless he thinks the Raps are really one nudge away from the Finals, he's not going to break that rule for a veteran on the decline (Frye), a malcontent (Morris) or an impending free agent about to make big money."
Despite discounting Frye, he is an intriguing prospect as he is officially on the trading block whereas a trade for Faried would be trickier.
Lowe noted that "the Nuggets might demand more than just the Knicks' pick for Faried." Faried may find favor as he is an original Ujiri draftee but how much should they give up to acquire him? Lowe concludes that "Faried might not be worth that much to the Raptors, anyway; he can't shoot, and he's not a major defensive upgrade over Luis Scola or Patrick Patterson."
Bleacher Report has given a "yellow light" on the Raptors pulling the trigger on a trade to acquire a power forward. They are not sure whether Toronto can find the perfect fit.
On the surface, they might end up with Markieff Morris as he has a reasonable price tag below 10 million for three more years. But with Morris' issues on and off the court, as highlighted by his recent scuffle with teammate Archie Goodwin off the bench, the Raptors may find themselves just winging it against their Eastern rivals rather than disrupt the team chemistry.