Insiders believe the Raptors are looking to deal

Trade deadline fever is upon us. Many reports indicate that the Toronto Raptors are pursuing significant win now moves. One of the names being tossed around in these reports is 3rd year swingman Terrence Ross. Earlier reports indicated that the team was standing pat with the struggling Ross however that may have changed as his continuing struggles may be making him a fast depreciating asset. Perhaps management believes it to be wise to move him for a piece now before it dips too far.

One the names that appears to be on the Raptors radar is Indiana Pacers forward David West. Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports says that Raptors GM Masai Ujiri has been “long infatuated” with the idea of adding the former All Star. A deal for West would make sense on multiple levels. The Xavier product would provide a great deal of grit, toughness, and defensive mindedness to a young Raptors squad looking to make a splash come playoff time. The Pacers are looking to find a new identity after the injury to Paul George and the offseason loss of Lance Stephenson. The team is likely looking to add younger pieces to build around the still youthful George. Adding Terrance Ross, hoping he turns it around with a change of scenery could be a wise choice for the floundering Pacers.

Another intriguing report from Alex Kennedy has the Raptors also tossing Jonas Valanciunas into the mix in order to acquire a star player. This type of move seems less likely for the Raptors as Ujiri has long stressed patience with this group, however if the chance came to put the team in a real position to win now and in the long term it’s hard to imagine Ujiri not looking into it. The question also remains, what stars, who fit an immediate need, are currently on the market? Regardless, this is certainly shaping up to be the most intriguing trade deadline for the Raptors in quite some time.