Although I am the one writing this trade, I’m not sure how I feel about it. I have enjoyed DeRozan’s progression as a basketball player, and am anticipating him being named an All-Star. That being said, I’m curious as to what his value is around the league. We have continued to read reports that despite a winning record, no player on the Raptors is safe if the right trade comes along. This is exemplified in the rumors that Lowry could be on the block.
One team I could see having some interest in DeRozan is Phoenix. They are weak on the wings, and are rumored to be interested in acquiring a young All-Star to add to their roster. So…here is my proposition:
Toronto Trades:
DeMar DeRozan and Steve Novak
Phoenix Trades:Emeka Okafor, 2014 Washington First Round Pick (top 12 protected), 2014 Indiana First Round Pick, and 2015 LA Lakers First Round Pick (top 5 protected)
Why for Phoenix:
Phoenix adds a young (24) SG/SF who fits in with the core of their team. The shore up an area of weakness (the wing) and continue their push for the playoffs. When Bledsoe is healthy, a backcourt of Bledsoe, Dragic, and DeRozan would be fun/exciting/talented.
Why for Toronto:
With the expiring (and insured) contract of Okafor, the Raptors would open up an additional $13million in cap space this summer, as well as save them $26.25mil over the next two years ($13mil in 14/15, $13.25mil in 15/16).
It is looking like Washington is going to be a playoff team (6-8 seeded), which would put this pick at around 15-17, while the Indiana pick would be last pick of the first round (if held today). But the real pick that I want to receive is the Lakers 2015 first round pick. I can’t see the Lakers being a bottom 5 team, but I also can’t see them improving much either. I’m expecting this pick to be 6-10 in 2015.
In short, the Raptors use DeMar to get out of Novak’s contract, and a mid and late 2014 first round picks, and a very likely top 10 pick in 2015. Ujiri can then use his war-chest of draft picks to build a young team (asset collection), or combine picks with the teams cap-space (and unguaranteed contracts of Salmons/Hansbrough) to make a significant move.
Thoughts?
One team I could see having some interest in DeRozan is Phoenix. They are weak on the wings, and are rumored to be interested in acquiring a young All-Star to add to their roster. So…here is my proposition:
Toronto Trades:
DeMar DeRozan and Steve Novak
Phoenix Trades:Emeka Okafor, 2014 Washington First Round Pick (top 12 protected), 2014 Indiana First Round Pick, and 2015 LA Lakers First Round Pick (top 5 protected)
Why for Phoenix:
Phoenix adds a young (24) SG/SF who fits in with the core of their team. The shore up an area of weakness (the wing) and continue their push for the playoffs. When Bledsoe is healthy, a backcourt of Bledsoe, Dragic, and DeRozan would be fun/exciting/talented.
Why for Toronto:
With the expiring (and insured) contract of Okafor, the Raptors would open up an additional $13million in cap space this summer, as well as save them $26.25mil over the next two years ($13mil in 14/15, $13.25mil in 15/16).
It is looking like Washington is going to be a playoff team (6-8 seeded), which would put this pick at around 15-17, while the Indiana pick would be last pick of the first round (if held today). But the real pick that I want to receive is the Lakers 2015 first round pick. I can’t see the Lakers being a bottom 5 team, but I also can’t see them improving much either. I’m expecting this pick to be 6-10 in 2015.
In short, the Raptors use DeMar to get out of Novak’s contract, and a mid and late 2014 first round picks, and a very likely top 10 pick in 2015. Ujiri can then use his war-chest of draft picks to build a young team (asset collection), or combine picks with the teams cap-space (and unguaranteed contracts of Salmons/Hansbrough) to make a significant move.
Thoughts?
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