Many basketball experts expected the front office to make a trade at mid-season and then again on draft night, but with no takers for either of the teams first round picks, attention will now turn to teams looking to move salary or possibly a big name free agent.
The good news for the team and its fans, it now appears that DeMar DeRozen is staying put, as it was reported over the weekend that he won’t plan any visits to other franchises in the coming weeks — but the same can’t be said for Bismack Biyombo, as the youngster will look to capitalize on his playoff performance and that will likely mean the 23-year-old is headed elsewhere.
Toronto already lacks depth in the front court and losing the young big man will hurt, but they could find the help they need in Denver.
The Nuggets have reportedly lost interest in 26-year-old Kenneth Faried as he is set to make $39 million over the next three years. It was also reported that the team shopped the power forward before last weeks draft, but the trigger was never pulled on a trade.
With the Raptors needing help in the paint and the money to take on a big contract, speculation of a deal in the coming weeks is hitting social media. These two sides where linked in rumors back in February and with each teams needs now, a revisit between the two sides could be just what each franchise needs heading into the 2016-17 NBA season.
Faried would give Toronto the big body they need to replace Biyombo and the type of player that will provide a bit more leadership on and off the court. Denver would move a big contract they don’t want, while picking up a backup in the back court and possibly a future draft pick or two, making this a win-win for both sides in what their looking to accomplish over the off-season.
