Kofi Inkoom
The Toronto Raptors have emerged as a strong contender in the Damian Lillard sweepstakes.i
Despite rumors suggesting Lillard’s lack of interest in joining Toronto, the Raptors are considered one of the top options to secure the Portland Trail Blazers superstar if he isn’t traded to Miami, according to Yahoo Sports’ Fischer.
The specifics of what it would require for Toronto to acquire the 33-year-old point guard, who is under contract until 2025-26, remain unclear.
It’s reported that the Raptors are not willing to include Scottie Barnes in any deal for Lillard, as noted by Fischer.
Pascal Siakam is unlikely to be part of any trade, leaving O.G. Anunoby as the primary candidate due to his contract’s final year.
Anunoby has established himself as a top-notch 3-and-D player, shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc and earning his first-ever All-Defense second-team honors.
However, there are reports of Anunoby seeking a more significant offensive role as he approaches free agency.
To meet the salary matching requirements for acquiring Lillard, Toronto would need to send out approximately $38 million.
Anunoby’s $18.6 million contract falls about $19.5 million short. The combination of Chris Boucher, Thad Young, Otto Porter Jr., and potentially first-round pick Gradey Dick could help bridge this financial gap.
Regarding draft assets, Toronto’s 2024 first-round pick is unavailable, and they can’t trade a first-round pick outright until 2028.
This leaves only the 2028 and 2030 first-round picks eligible for trade without pick-swapping.