Bradley Beal and Other 2020 Trade Targets for the Raptors

The 2019-20 NBA season is still up in the air. Whether it happens or not, at some point, each NBA franchise will have to look to next season.

The Toronto Raptors are one team in particular that has some major decisions to make. Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, and Fred VanVleet are all scheduled to hit free agency, which could prompt some other moves.

Conventional wisdom suggests FVV will get a big contract and stick in town, but with the Raptors still looking like a fringe title contender out of the Eastern Conference (+25000 NBA Finals odds at BetOnline for this year), another big move could be on the horizon.

With those pending departures in mind, here’s a look at 4 potential trades for the Toronto Raptors that could help them get back into the NBA Finals mix next season.

Suddenly, with all the bodies exiting, the Raptors would have some wiggle room financially, and they could chase a superstar.

Bradley Beal isn’t Kawhi Leonard, but landing him shows Toronto wants to win now (again). Beal is a strong on-ball defender, he can help initiate offense, and he’s an elite perimeter scorer.

Kyle Lowry would probably have to be part of this deal. After trading away DeMar DeRozan in the name of a championship, though, dispatching an aging Lowry wouldn’t hit the feels too much.

FVV could be brought back, or Toronto could pair Beal with a free agent point guard. It’d also probably take OG Anunoby and some picks to make this happen, of course.

Ridge is on the back nine of his NBA career, but he remained effective for the Spurs last season. He can still score and rebound, and he’s always been a passable defender.

Toronto could be inquiring about some help down low in the near future, as it’s quite possible both Ibaka and Gasol leave town. Heck, even ancillary bigs like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Chris Boucher could bounce for the right price.

If so, the Raptors could call the team they last agreed on a huge deal with. This move is tough financially, but it could make sense for both sides.

Perhaps landing Bradley Beal could prove costly. Maybe the Wizards just don’t want to trade him. But if Toronto could lose FVV — and even if they don’t — they may want a little extra offense.

Hield lost his starting job in Sacramento, so he personally could be open to a change of scenery. That said, he’s a great outside shooter and knows how to fill it up offensively.

His contract escalates quickly next year, so the financials could be tricky here. However, if the Kings suddenly aren’t sure about keeping him in their long-term plans, Toronto could express interest.

If Toronto is about to lose a bunch of big men, they may need to get serious about acquiring some help. Griffin has been wasting away thanks to a never-ending list of injuries, but he also may not mind one last crack at chasing a title.

He isn’t getting that in Detroit, as the Pistons appear settled on embarking on a full-blown rebuild. Griffin will either get bought out or traded at some point, so staying inside the Eastern Conference shouldn’t be ruled out.

This is another big-money contract that would be tough to move, but dealing Lowry could make it happen, and we know Toronto will have money to spend.

In reality, probably nobody. Toronto has a lot of cash coming off of the books, and they’d be somewhat interested in getting something of value for an aging (and pricey) Lowry.

But they’re a good team as they stand. They should look to retain VanVleet and perhaps hold onto some of their expiring contracts.

Toronto is still one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, but in 2020-21, the Brooklyn Nets will be healthy and ready to take over.

It’s possible the Raptors see that and strike for a big star.

Of the lot, making a play for Beal makes the most sense. However, the likely scenario is Toronto keeps improving from within, keeps FVV, and perhaps spends their available cash on a big free agent.

For more potential NBA trades, as well as odds, predictions, and picks, take a look at what we’ve got in our NBA blog category.