There’s no doubt the perception of this organization has changed dramatically over the last three years and its Eastern Conference Final loss to Cleveland, while a losing effort, has players now considering the team and the city as a possible destination when looking for a new home.
Signing DeRozan was big, but it also used most of the salary cap space management had to work with this summer. Despite limitations, Jared Sullinger was added to help in the paint and plenty of trade scenarios have hit social media, moves that could help this franchise compete with Cleveland as not only the top team in the east, but also compete with the best teams in the league.
The latest rumors have all eyes on LA Clippers power forward Blake Griffin as several reports have the former Oklahoma star on the trading block and Martin Connolly of Fan Sided believes Toronto could pursue a deal to acquire the 27-year-old.
When healthy, the former first round pick is one of the best players in the NBA and it would cost plenty to make this trade. Connolly has suggested moving Patrick Patterson, DeMarre Carroll & Lucas Nogueira as well as a future 1st round pick in exchange for the NBA All Star and while it would hurt the depth off the bench, it would create a dynamic starting five in Toronto and allow the team to match the scoring of anybody in the league.
There’s no doubt this franchise needs help in the front court and a trade is the only option to get a big time player. Griffin would make this team significantly better on both ends of the floor and it would become the biggest story of the off season, outside Kevin Durant taking his game to Golden State.
