Trade targets: All 30 teams
Toronto Raptors
Record: 35-16
2nd place in East
Status: Buyers
Toronto went 8-2 in its last 10 games heading into the All-Star break and sits three games behind the Cleveland for the top spot in the East.
While the Raptors look like the best challenger to the Cavaliers in the conference and could try to add some pieces for the playoffs, they also need to consider that Kyle Lowry is almost 30 and DeMar DeRozan could leave in free agency.
ESPN's Zach Lowe has reported that the Lakers and other teams are prepared to offer DeRozan a max contract that starts at $25 million per season.
So, what should Toronto do at the deadline?
Potential trade targets
Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams
The nuclear scenario. Let's say the Raptors' read of DeRozan's intentions aren't as rosy as his public comments suggest, or they decide they aren't going to give him the max. The Lakers are the most likely partner willing to provide enough value for Toronto to consider a move.
This package is the kind of return the Raptors should target. And it would echo the one Ujiri engineered with the Nuggets when he sent Carmelo Anthony to New York.
Jared Dudley
Dudley is such an ideal role player, and his 3-and-D skill set has so much value that you can plug him into most teams' list of trade targets. That doesn't mean the Wizards will move him.
Mike Miller
If the Raptors want to boost their profile as a fringe contender, adding a been-there-done-that veteran like Miller would help. He still can shoot it, can still pass it and can still chip in on the defensive glass. He just can't do those things for long stretches, which actually makes him an even better fit for the Raptors.
Most trade value
1. Kyle Lowry
Lowry is back to providing MVP-caliber play at point guard this season. It would take a heck of an offer to pry him away from the Raptors.
2. DeMar DeRozan
The Raptors' shooting guard hits free agency this summer if he opts out of the $10 million final year of his deal, and it's a virtual certainty that he will do so. DeRozan has pledged his love for Toronto, but he's from Los Angeles and the Lakers will be able to throw max money his way.
One crucial factor in Toronto's decision: As much as DeRozan has improved, his perceived value still exceeds his value as measured by advance metrics, including real plus-minus. (Check out his current RPM.)
This feels like a sell-high opportunity for Toronto general manager Masai Ujiri, especially if the Lakers are ready to make a move. It's a difficult spot for Toronto, a contender in the East, but a team that naturally doesn't want to lose a starter for nothing.
3. Jonas Valanciunas
Valanciunas keeps improving, with the best raw plus-minus on the Raptors. (Lowry leads the team in RPM.) The Raptors center is locked up for the next few years. If he's moved, it will be as the centerpiece of a blockbuster transaction.
4. Bismack Biyombo
Biyombo has quickly emerged as Toronto's best rebounder and rim protector. Yet he can opt out after the season, and overall the Raptors have been almost as good defensively with Valanciunas on the floor.
5. End-of-the-bench youth brigade
The Raptors have four high-upside young players who currently aren't part of Dwane Casey's rotation: Lucas Nogueira, Bruno Caboclo, Norman Powell and Delon Wright. How many developmental players does a contending team need?
Most valuable draft pick
2016 first-round pick from Denver or New York
By virtue of the July 2013 deal that sent Andrea Bargnani to the Knicks, Toronto will collect an extra first-rounder this June. That pick will be the lesser of the Knicks' or the Nuggets' pick. (The 2011 Carmelo Anthony deal is tied to this as well.) So if both the Knicks and Nuggets miss the playoffs, the Raptors will get a lottery pick, making it a valuable trade chip.
Toughest contract to trade
DeMarre Carroll
It's way too early for the Raptors to regret the four-year, $58 million deal they gave Carroll last summer. While he has struggled early in his Toronto career, on paper he remains a good fit with his new teammates. Besides, even if the Raptors wanted to bail on Carroll already, the timing of his injury makes it pretty much impossible to do so by the trade deadline.
Player most likely to be traded
Bismack Biyombo
Biyombo could be catnip for a team looking to add rim protection. You can package him with a pick or one of the developmental players, and maybe in return the Raptors get the extra wing they need. This is more likely than a DeRozan blockbuster.