Close Article Return to stream X
NBA •

5 Players the Toronto Raptors Should Consider Trading This Offseason

+Read full article
at TD Garden on April 14, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

5 Players the Toronto Raptors Should Consider Trading This Offseason

Masai Ujiri
Getty Images

The first big domino of the Raptors' offseason has fallen: Dwane Casey will remain head coach of the team for at least one more season. That news has serious implications for evaluating future moves, as not every player fits with Casey's style of coaching. With this in mind, here are five players the Raptors should consider shopping around this offseason.

5. Greivis Vasquez

Toronto Raptors v Boston Celtics
Getty Images

5. Greivis Vasquez

Toronto Raptors v Boston Celtics
Getty Images

I haven't been a fan of GV's presence on the team since Day 1, and the present logjam at point guard provides no reason for me to change my mind. Vasquez is one of the worst NBA defenders you'll ever see, but his reputation as a clutch shooter gives him value in the trade market.

4. James Johnson

Toronto Raptors v Boston Celtics
Getty Images

4. James Johnson

Toronto Raptors v Boston Celtics
Getty Images

In a trend that no one quite understands, Johnson just could not get out of Dwane Casey's doghouse this season. He's a viable player in this league but with Casey coming back next season, he and the Raptors are probably better served letting him go. Some other coach will use him better, and the Raps will get something nice in return given that Johnson played well given the chance.

3. Terrence Ross

Terrence Ross
Getty Images

Terrence Ross

3. Terrence Ross

Terrence Ross
Getty Images

I have repeatedly stuck up for Ross, as I think he will turn into a very good player in this league. Unfortunately, one of the main reasons he hasn't yet is that Dwane Casey has tried to turn him into a defensive specialist, and then benched him when he inevitably couldn't live up to that billing. Unless something changes in the offseason, Ross is probably more valuable to other teams than he is to the Raps.

2. Kyle Lowry

Toronto Raptors v Washington Wizards- Game Three
Getty Images

2. Kyle Lowry

Toronto Raptors v Washington Wizards- Game Three
Getty Images

I realize this is sounding like a broken record, but Lowry is yet another player that just hasn't been shown to work well with Dwane Casey. The two had a lengthy feud early in Lowry's Raptor career, a beef that seems to have bubbled back up in some of Lowry's offseason quotes. This is just getting depressing, isn't it?

1. DeMar DeRozan

demar derozan Raptors Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Game 2
Getty Images

1. DeMar DeRozan

demar derozan Raptors Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Game 2
Getty Images

In my eyes, DeMar is not a franchise player. Yet, he's young enough and has the stats to convince some other GM that he is. DeRozan is a stand-up guy, and his attachment to the city of Toronto is real. But would he have a real problem with moving down to his hometown of Los Angeles to join Kobe and the Lakers? What about Portland? If Ujiri really wants to shake up the franchise, this is the move to make.

Casey Sherman is a writer for RantSports.
Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

Watch Bulls Get Whistled For 5-Second Call Because Of Drake

The Toronto Raptors were down by three points with 25 seconds remaining and the Chicago Bulls were taking the ball out of bounds. It happened to be right in front of Drake who is the Raptors' biggest fan. Drake proceeded to talk trash into Justin Holiday's ear while he tried to get the ball in-bounds, and it distracted Holiday enough to get a crucial five-second call against the Bulls. This is my favorite Drake moment of all time.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

LeBron James Tosses Up Air Ball With Game On The Line

LeBron James is oftentimes criticized for not being anywhere near as clutch as some of the NBA's all-time great players. He certainly didn't do anything to dispel that notion against the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, as he threw up an incredibly feeble air ball with time running out. James also inexplicably left two seconds on the clock which he could have used to get a better look at the basket. It was simply a massive fail.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

Kyle Lowry Nails Game-Winning Jumper On Cavaliers

Kyle Lowry has been a beast all season for the Toronto Raptors. He's one of the most underrated in the players in the NBA due to playing north of the border, but Lowry proved his worth with everyone watching on Friday night. He dropped 43 points and nine assists on the Cleveland Cavaliers, and also nailed this game-winning jumper. With about two seconds remaining on Cleveland's final possession, LeBron James tossed up an air ball, and the Raptors cemented a 99-97 win to draw within two games of the Cavaliers at 39-18.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

Raptors' Valanciunas Goes Primal After And-One

Jonas Valanciunas executed an excellent post move against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, and got a little excited when he finished for an and-one opportunity. Valanciunas surely screamed something fierce, but it was one of Toronto's announcers who truly stole the show.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

NBA Releases Mix Of Vintage Vince Carter Dunks With Raptors

NBA TV is scheduled to interview Vince Carter on Monday night. With his retirement looming, basketball aficionados have seen a ton of highlight footage from Carter's career released of late. However, this epic video mix of Carter dunking in his prime with the Toronto Raptors takes the cake. Carter is a legend -- end of story.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

Watch Damian Lillard's Rejection Of Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry surely thought Damian Lillard was no longer a concern on his way to the rim, but the Portland Trail Blazers point guard had another idea.

Comment 0 Comments