NBA Trade Deadline Intel And Analysis

The slopstacles in front of us...

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Every time I do one of these columns, I feel the need to make clear that I’m not trying to cosplay as one of the heavy hitters. I’ll source Stein, Haynes, Fischer, Shams, Scotto, Katz, etc. whenever I have the chance.

You do hear things, though. And if I can run down enough to feel like it’s solid enough, we can talk about it.

Most everything in trade circles is just nonsense, or at least nonsense to one team while it might been real for another.

But beyond just the gossip, here’s a look at some ideas and trade concepts rattling around my head.

RAPTORS

It’s Masai SZN. Marc Stein reported on Toronto on Tuesday, discussing the idea of them adding Brandon Ingram and reporting on what their intentions are:

The Raptors, though, are likewise believed to be actively searching for players to expand on a core that features reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week Scottie Barnes as the undeniable centerpiece. As my Sportsnet colleague Michael Grange put it in a story he wrote last week, Toronto is said to be looking for a "significant piece" to pair with Barnes.

NBA Trade Season Latest: Brandon Ingram

While Stein suggested Ingram as a possibility, I wonder if they might be the ones to roll the dice on Zion Williamson. Injury-plagued star with the highest of potential? Ujiri’s been willing to take that risk before.

This isn’t reported, just an idea, but while Barnes and Zion might seem like odd fits, think about it. Instead of two great guard ballhandlers and shooters, you’re building two versatile wrecking ball playmakers who can score. Surround them with two shooters who don’t need the ball and a stretch five and you’d have something not only potentially great… but different from what every other team can match up with.

But those are ideas. Here’s what’s making the rounds.

I asked around Monday of a few sources this question: “What’s the team most likely to help facilitate one of the bigger deals teams want to make?” and four of them answered, among others. Toronto. (Charlotte and Portland were two other answers.)

The Nuggets and Spurs kicked around ideas for Boucher, and Denver was interested in a three-way deal that would have landed them beloved former 6th man Bruce Brown, but, as is pretty typical with the Raptors, couldn’t find a deal that worked.

Toronto is thought to be a likely partner in a Jimmy Butler deal, particularly if the Warriors decide to go for it now that the asking price for Butler is lower.