20. Toronto Raptors
If the reporting surrounding the Damian Lillard situation was accurate, the Toronto Raptors were a real threat to land the All-Star guard. In the end, the Raptors refused to include OG Anunoby or Scottie Barnes in a potential deal, and that’s what ultimately led the Portland Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks. This tells us that the Raptors are still not in a place where they’re ready to blow up the roster.
For a team that operated in a confusing way during the offseason, it still offers us no guidance on what the next moves will be for the Raptors. If I had to guess, this is a team that is going to feel out the first part of the season and then make a big decision at the NBA Trade Deadline.
If the Blazers are underwhelming at the midway point of the season, there’s a very real chance Toronto could turn around and trade both Anunoby and Pascal Siakam; they’re both expiring contracts after this season. But, hey, maybe something clicks with this team and the Raptors get to a point where they want to re-sign both this summer.