LATEST UPDATE: The Raptors’ greatest mistake during the NBA trade deadline in 2024

After considerable debate, the Toronto Raptors ultimately had to face reality and let go of two of their important players, Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, which effectively put an end to a prosperous period of Raptors basketball. It was unclear how the team would escape the league’s hated middle ground without taking such dramatic measures, considering their current situation. They now know exactly how to develop around the young talents of RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Scottie Barnes.

There are still a few patches of mud on their windshield, though, so their direction may not be as obscure as it once was. The Raptors’ current retooling strategy is indecisive, which isn’t exactly a big mistake—if any at all.

Masai Ujiri has always approached roster construction with the goal of maintaining flexibility, which entails holding onto tradeable assets in the hopes of making a few deals that will ultimately benefit the team in the long run. For the Raptors, it was in the middle of the decade. After Ujiri acquired a large group of reliable players, the core developed into a reliable playoff contender before he had the chance to deal Kyle Lowry.

The best trade for a rental player in league history was made by him in 2018 when that version of the Raptors reached its peak and he was able to acquire Kawhi Leonard with DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a 2019 first-round pick.

But it just doesn’t make sense for the Raptors to hang onto this player, especially because he may easily leave for better opportunities once he hits free agency. This was the Raptors’ worst error during the NBA trade deadline in 2024.

The Raptors’ failure to complete a Gary Trent Jr. trade at the 2024 NBA trade deadline was their worst error.

Prior to discussing the Raptors’ predicament with Gary Trent Jr., it must be acknowledged that the team had a very perplexing February 8. They kept Bruce Brown and gave up a first-round selection for Kelly Olynyk, two moves that were surprising to many, especially coming from a selling team.

Still, their choices are at least justifiable. Why not trade up one of the Raptors’ several 2024 first-round picks in return for a talented player who seems certain to sign a long-term contract extension with the team? The Raptors needed a dynamic big man who can shoot, pass, and dribble because Pascal Siakam is now with the Indiana Pacers. Olynyk would at least be a useful addition for Toronto as they attempt to maintain their respectability as a club.

Even if it might have been a lost chance, the Raptors won’t perish if they decide not to trade Bruce Brown. Brown should still be under contract for the following season when the Raptors exercise their option, so maybe in the offseason, when teams have more options to clear cap space, Toronto receives even more offers for the adaptable combination guard/forward.

The Raptors were able to save a significant amount of money for the upcoming season with the Dennis Schroder-Spencer Dinwiddie trade, which also gives them a significant advantage in free agency should they decide to choose that path to improve their squad. Of course, it stings to learn that they received no draft assets in exchange for Schroder and that Thaddeus Young, for whom they forfeited a first-round pick, was sold for no consideration. However, these actions at least have a reasonable justification.

However, Gary Trent Jr. has survived the culling process in Toronto. Trent has been the subject of trade rumors for some time, but he still plays a supporting role for a Raptors squad that has undergone significant upheaval.

Yes, he is the starting shooting guard for the Raptors. However, the only reason the team would have kept him on was if they had received any offers for him, which is doubtful given that Trent’s skill set as a sharpshooter on an expiring deal might have resulted in some kind of draft compensation.

Since Gary Trent Jr. is scheduled to hit free agency in a few months, the Raptors will likely be stuck with him. Fortunately, this isn’t the Fred VanVleet situation, where the team is losing an All-Star guard for nothing; Trent isn’t that kind of player. However, their agonizing lack of judgment in dealing Trent could end up costing them dearly, particularly for a team that has a lottery pick (Gradey Dick) waiting in the wings to take Trent’s starting lineup spot.

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