Toronto Raptors trade rumors now include the team shopping its first pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. The team is looking to add talent that will help improve the roster right away, meaning they are very willing to part with their first-round selection.
The Raptors have the No. 8 overall pick in the draft, giving them a pretty good asset when it comes to the trade market. According to ESPN, the team is looking for "an established, athletic wing man." It sounds like an expensive endeavor though, and one that could end up costing the team more than a draft pick in a trade.
As noted by ESPN, the Raptors have Lithuanian star Jonas Valanciunas ready to join the team for the 2012-13 season after getting another year of experience overseas. That gives the team a lot of flexibility, especially when it comes to making trades. Jose Calderon could become one of the players heading out of Toronto if the team can succeed in its goal of signing free agent Steve Nash.
Players like Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies and Andre Iguodala of the Philadelphia 76ers have been mentioned as small forwards that Toronto would like to acquire. There has been no confirmation of talks actually taking place with those teams though.
At this point, it would be pretty surprising if the Raptors entered the 2012 NBA Draft without having already made a big move.
Do you think that the Toronto Raptors should just look to improve the team through the draft again? Which team would be the best trade partner for Toronto if that No. 8 pick were a centerpiece?
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