The Toronto Raptors bolstered their defense this off-season with their acquisition of DeMarre Carroll, Bismack Biyombo and Cory Joseph. However, the departure of Amir Johnson left a gaping hole on the power forward position.
While Patrick Patterson and James Johnson are ready to fill the void, many would agree that neither of the two has game-changing skills-sets to put the Raptors over the hump and keep them in the thick of the title race in the Eastern Conference.
Therefore, the Raptors front-office will more likely come through with another transaction to address this problem. And when there's a need a team wants to sort out, there are rumors. Let's play Buy it or Sell it on these latest rumors fresh off the stove.
Anthony Bennett's Toronto Homecoming: The former no.1 overall pick is reportedly on the move again after another subpar seasons with the Wolves. The 22-year old Bennett averaged 5.2 points and 3.8 boards in 15.7 minutes per game (ESPN Stats). These numbers are expected to go down as he competes for playing time in the Wolves' crowded frontline rotation.
Already dealing a logjam at the power forward position (see Wolves depth chart), the Wolves are on a lookout for a trade partner willing to gamble on the former UNLV standout.
Bennett may not be as successful as some of his peers in the 2013 Draft Class, but he's still pretty young talent at 22. The window for improvement remains open. Too bad for him, Minnesota isn't going to be patient waiting for his development.
As mentioned, the Raptors direly need a game-changing player at PF spot. Bennett is miles away from becoming into a high-impact player, yet that immense potential is still there waiting to be tapped.
Moreover, if he continues to improve his three-point shooting (up from 20 percent in 2013-14 season to 30 percent in 2014-15 from 3-Point area), he may get a consistent regular time from head coach Dwayne Casey, who already expressed his desire to play more 'small ball' basketball next season. With these reasons, I think the Raptors would consider trading for Bennett, if the price is right. I Buy It.
Tristan Thompson Eyeing Raptors in 2016: Agent Rich Paul will earnestly try to give Tristan Thompson the percentage (reportedly a five-year, $95MM deal) he wants on the Cleveland Cavaliers payroll for the remainder of the season. But if things still don't work out, Paul is expected to bring his client home, where the pasture should be a lot greener.
"I always thought he was going to end up (in Toronto) this year," one Eastern Conference general manager told SheridanHoops. "There's going to be so much money next year so I think he will get it."
Believe it or not, the Thompson to Raptors scenario isn't going to be a rumor any longer because the foundation for this deal to actually happen is already being planted.
It's clear the Cavs are playing hardball on their negotiation with Thompson camp after a series of free-agency splash that sent Dan Gilbert's tax bill skyrocketing.
Because he's restricted frère-agent, Thompson really has only two options: to sign a contract extension below his asking price or sign a one-year qualifying offer worth around $7.5MM. If he opts to sign the qualifying offer (which is the direction Thompson appears heading to), the Cavs will absolutely consider trading him before he gets the opportunity to bolt out at the end of this coming season. And yes, the Raptors will be the frontrunner in case Thompson hits the trading block. Totally Buying It.