The Toronto Raptors suffered a bit of a setback after Kyle Lowry went down with an injury. Aware that they need a guard who can help Kawhi Leonard in scoring, the alleged target is reportedly Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards.
The Wizards have set their asking price for teams interested in trading for Beal. Washington wants two young stars and a couple of future draft picks, something several teams found a bit stiff. As far as the Raptors are concerned, they could end up sending Pascal Siakam and OG Anunboy plus two future selections, Sporting News said.
Siakam and Anunoby should fulfill the young promising players part but may have to convince the Wizards on the future picks. They only have a 2023 first-round pick to show since the other one, a 2019 first rounder, is owed to the San Antonio Spurs.
Depending on how the discussion of both sides go, there is still no certainty that Toronto can address its backcourt woes. Lowry has been out since Dec. 1, missing five straight games. The injury has hounded the 32-year-old guard since November. With him sidelined, the Raptors are missing his averages of 11.6 points. The Raptors are 9-8 since the 24th selection of the 2006 NBA Draft got injured.
In Lowry's absence, head coach Nick Nurse has used Frank VanVleet in his place, Bleacher Report said. Although he has proven to be a solid fill-in for Lowry, everyone knows what a Bradley Beal brings to a team.
Bradley is among the players that the Wizards have made available for trade. Otto Porter Jr. is another player eyed by some teams with the Dallas Mavericks being singled out as one of the top teams interested. Only Kelly Oubre Jr. has been dealt so far in a trade that involved Trevor Ariza.
John Wall is another player being dangled although teams will likewise pass since his season-ending injury (heel).
The Raptors could also pitch a trade package outside the Wizards' preference. They could unload some players like C.J. Miles or even Serge Ibaka. Seeing how Washington seems focused on forming a new and young nucleus, it remains to be seen if this will work. It could be part of a salary dump if the Wizards are willing.
Beal is expected to be among the players in focus as the February NBA trade deadline approaches. There are other teams likely to make counterproposals, especially the ones who are gearing up for the NBA playoffs.
