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The Toronto Raptors ended the 2014-15 NBA season in a very disappointing fashion, being swept out of the playoffs by the Washington Wizards despite being the higher seed.
It was a sign that they need to make some moves this offseason, and acquiring a veteran power forward who could bring toughness to the table would be ideal. David West was a target that they wanted to acquire at the trade deadline, but they weren’t able to convince the Indiana Pacers to give him up.
Despite failing to snag him the first time, they should look into starting trade talks with the Pacers once again this offseason.
West would be a perfect fit for the Raptors, especially since they could lose both Tyler Hansbrough and Amir Johnson in free agency this offseason. They didn’t have a veteran leader in the postseason when they needed one the most, and that is one area that West has proven himself. He has been Indiana’s leader over the past few seasons, and would immediately bring toughness and a very vocal leader to Toronto.
During the 2014-15 season with the Pacers, West ended up averaging 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He shot 47.1 percent from the floor, although he wasn’t quite as dominant with his back to the bucket as he has been in years past. West did struggle with some pesky injury issues throughout the season, especially an ankle that he sprained during the preseason.
What the Raptors would have to give up in order to force Larry Bird to pull the trigger on a deal involving West is unknown.
Indiana is looking to play a more up-tempo offense next season, which could make West available for trade. He isn’t the most athletic power forward, and if the Raptors would be willing to give up a piece like Terrence Ross it might just get the deal done.
Acquiring West would fill the starting power forward role in the Raptors’ front-court alongside center Jonas Valanciunas. Not only could West be the leader that the Raptors need, he could also step in as a veteran mentor for the young players. Teaching Valanciunas a few of his moves would make the 7-foot-0 center much more dangerous on the offensive side of the floor.
At 34 years old, West doesn’t have too much time left in his NBA career. One thing that the Pacers will not do to West is trade him to a team that won’t let him compete for a title, but the Raptors could certainly give him that opportunity.
There are other options other than West on the market that the Raptors could look at instead. While those other options could be solid pickups, there is no player available who could add everything that Toronto needs to add. Players who can bring consistent offense, leadership, energy and, most of all, experience aren’t easy to come by on the trade market.
It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see the Raptors engage the Pacers once again this offseason about a potential West trade. They need to touch base with Bird and see what it would take. If it is affordable, they shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on a deal. West would be exactly what the doctor ordered in Toronto, and would help them take the next step towards contending in the Eastern Conference.
Evan Massey is a featured writer for www.RantSports.com, and contributes across the NFL, MLB, NCAA and NBA portions of the site. Follow him on Twitter at @Massey_Evan and like him on Facebook.
