The 2017-18 NBA season is yet to start, but potential trades have started floating around. The Toronto Raptors are being mentioned in early trade rumors, which involve two of their biggest assets.
ESPN insider Zach Lowe predicted that the Raptors would look for trades where they can shed salaries to avoid paying the luxury tax. The Raptors let go of DeMarre Carroll and a first-round pick to shed salary in the offseason, but they need another deal to go below the luxury tax line.
Jonas Valanciunas could be the odd man out for the Toronto Raptors
Jonas Valanciunas, the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, had a solid year for the Raptors last season.
The 25-year-old center averaged 12.0 points and 9.5 rebounds in 80 regular-season games for the Raptors.
However, the Raptors might eventually decide to move on from him mainly because of his four-year, $64 million contract. Toronto could ship him for another big man to boost their frontline, which also features Serge Ibaka, Jakob Poetl, Lucas Nogueira and Pascal Siakam.
The Orlando Magic were mentioned as a potential trade partner for the Raptors. In the trade scenario mentioned, the Raptors will send Valanciunas to the Raptors in exchange for Nikola Vucevic, who has a more team-friendly contract. The trade will give the Raptors another center while also saving around $7 million in the next two years.
The Phoenix Suns were also tagged as a potential trade destination for Valanciunas. Sports Illustrated reported that the Suns are interested in Andre Drummond, but the Detroit Pistons are not expected to trade him. Hoopshype reported that a Valanciunas trade could be a backup plan for the Suns.
Toronto Raptors could also part ways with DeMar DeRozan
The Toronto Raptors did not make huge moves this summer to at least close the gap between them and reigning Eastern Conference champions Cleveland Cavaliers. If they fail to make an impact or fall deep in the standings, Lowe also predicted that superstar guard Demar Derozan would be mentioned in NBA trade rumors.
While it is a long shot at this point, the Raptors will not have a shortage of suitors if they decide to place DeRozan on the trading block. While he is not known for three-point shooting consistency, the 28-year-old is still considered as one of the best two guards in the league.
DeRozan averaged 27.3 points on top of 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists for Toronto last season. The eight-year veteran has four years left on his five-year, $139 million contract with the Raptors.
