It is looking more and more likely that Amir Johnson will not return to the Toronto Raptors. It’s sad given all he’s done for the franchise, but it’s likely for the best. His ankles simply won’t allow him to take such heavy minutes, nor is he effective enough to warrant a starter position on a Raptors team with playoff success in mind. Unless he’s willing to accept a discount, Amir is probably gone.
Zach Lowe of Grantland recently reported that the Raptors might look to a Terrence Ross for Taj Gibson deal as a possibility. This would probably be a pretty fair trade, and the Raptors would definitely address some issues.
Finding a workable Gibson-for-a-wing deal is tough, but Gibson has two years left on a fair contract, and he’s a solid two-way player. If Amir Johnson leaves Toronto in free agency, perhaps the Raptors would think about swapping Terrence Ross for Gibson. Johnson is permanently hobbled, and the Raptors need at least one more reliable defender after plummeting to 23rd in points allowed per possession this season. Dwane Casey would love Gibson.
At the end of the day, it’s going to be a long offseason. We have heard tons of rumors about this team blowing it up, Casey being fired, etc. This is finally a rumour that shows that Masai Ujiri still has some faith in this team and will look to progress next year.
4 thoughts on “Lowe: Raptors make look to acquire Taj Gibson”
how about a 3 team trade with the raptors bulls and cavs for tristan thompson ?
I think that Toronto should have gone for Josh Smith when he was available. Taj Gibson is not that great. He is overhyped and over rated.He’s an undersized PF with no real post game, has no real handles, so can’t shift to the SF and his shooting range is limited at best.
There is no better option for a replacement of Amir Johnson than Tristan Thompson. Fam is a younger better version of Amir and he’s from the city. And please spare all the he’s going to cost too much money as if it’s your money. Ujiri & Leiweke have made it known publicly on numerous occasions that MLSE will be more than happy to go into the tax if management deems it necessary, Ujiri has been patient in spending MLSE’s money. Give TT the keys to Brampton if that’s what it takes. Sign him by any means neccesary and trade for a real 3-D SF. Ideally Ariza or somebody very similar. IMO that’s a great start heading into next year and next summers free agency class.
Issue is the opportunity cost of the cap. If you go out and spend 10-12 million on Thompson, your cap space is gone for a potentially larger fish (ie, Durant)