With their weakness at the wing spot exposed during their recent slump, the Toronto Raptors are reportedly set to make some moves ahead of the February 19 trade deadline.
Losers of five out of last six games, the Raptors slowly realized their need to add more talents in order for them to stay in the upper-echelon of a wide-open Eastern Conference standing.
After pulling off a big move (Trading Rudy Gay to the Sacramento Kings) midway into the 2013-14 season, Toronto general manager Masai Ujiri hasn't made any significant maneuver so far on the trading front.
However, the former Executive of the Year winner is expected to burn the hotlines over the next few weeks as he scours for the perfect wing player that would put them back in the driving seat in the East.
Veteran Raptors beat writer Stephen Brotherston provided several potential trade targets Ujiri and his front-office should explore. Tobias Harris of the Orlando Magic and Wilson Chandler of the Denver Nuggets are among those players labeled available between now and February trade deadline, and Brotherston thinks the Raptors should make a move for either of the two versatile wing players before the markets gets crowded days before the trade window expires.
Harris, who is playing in the final year of his rookie deal, has blossomed into a potent scorer at the small forward spot. Averaging career-highs 18.0 points and 6.9 rebounds, the 22-year old showed his flexibility to play both forward positions because of his 6-foot-9, 235-pound frame. Harris is a physical specimen that should be an upgrade for the Raptors right away from the explosive but lanky Terrence Ross.
On the other hand, Chandler is someone Ujiri knows very much. As one of several players acquired by the Nuggets from the New York Knicks in exchange for Carmelo Anthony, Chandler is another player that fits well in the Raptors brand of play. The 6-foot-8 Chandler is shooting 34 percent from deep over his career, which indicates his ability to spread the defense and allow big man to freely operate inside the lane.
According to reports, Harris and Chandler are available on the trading block, although it's unclear what the Magic and the Nuggets would want in exchange for these players.
The first-round draft pick acquired by the Raptors in a trade that sent Andrea Bargnani to the New York Knicks appear as the ultimate trump card for Ujiri at this point of the season, since he has no available players that might excite other teams.
Whether the Raptors will try to go 'all in' this season, Ujiri assures that his upcoming move would not impede his plan in turning Toronto into a perennial title contender.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
