The Toronto Raptors is seen as one of the possible challengers to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.
However, they still need to fill out one gaping hole at the power forward spot and this is why ESPN has listed them as possible buyers at the trade deadline.
In their assessment, ESPN said the Raptors needed a wing since DeMarre Carroll was injured. But their long-term need is at power forward, that's why the proposed trade had DeMar DeRozan shipped to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Julius Randle.
However, Raptors Rapture had a different view. They are consistent that the need is at the "four" position and they have a proposed target: Thaddeus Young of the Brooklyn Nets.
"What do the Raptors get? Young, a 27-year-old power forward, is undersized at 6'8″, but he's a well-built 220 lbs," RR statted. "He enjoyed several playoff trips, including 6 games last year in the Nets' first-round exit to the Atlanta Hawks. Thaddeus has been a starter most of his career, is seldom hurt, and has delivered consistent if not eye-popping numbers. This season he checks in with 15.9 points and 9 rebounds per game [PG]. While Thaddeus' points this year are in line with his norm, his rebounds are a career high. He's Paul Millsap-lite, with a fine 18.1 PER on a bad team."
Thaddeus Young is probably one out of three good players in the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are not tanking as their pick belongs to the Boston Celtics, so this is why they would be willing to trade with the Raptors.
The Raptors own the lower pick between the Knicks and Nuggets so they may be amicable to trade their own 2016 first rounder if it means that one hole in their roster will be covered.