via Imago
Mar 26, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) waits as fans begin to exit Scotiabank Arena due to a fire emergency during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Mar 26, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) waits as fans begin to exit Scotiabank Arena due to a fire emergency during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA delivered thrilling drama and excitement after the trade deadline saw many teams make big moves in the league. Many fans considered this to be one of the best trade deadlines in recent years. Numerous blockbuster trades across the last 3-4 days caught the attention of the entire league. Many teams took advantage of the trade, except for the Toronto Raptors. The Canadian team’s failure to make any major changes before the deadline has seemingly disappointed NBA fans.?
Fans believe the Toronto Raptors are the only team that did not make use of free agency and the trade window. The Raptors seemingly decided to keep its main core, even after a disappointing record so far this season.?
Toronto Raptors fail to make any big changes
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Players from the Raptors roster?who were in frequent talks of getting traded ended up remaining with the team. Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam are the main core of the Raptors squad. Though this main core helped the team win the title in the 2019 season, Clippers star Kawhi Leonard‘s exit has undoubtedly cost the team. Moreover, veteran guard Kyle Lowry also left for the Miami Heat after nine seasons up north.
Ever since then, the Raptors have found a tough time even making it to the playoffs. The quiet trade deadline left fans disappointed in the team.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:?
I wish nothing but the worst for the Raptors from now on
— Remus 💍💍💍💍 (@CiuciuRemus) February 9, 2023
Many teams got better than them
— Little Season Saint 🇨🇦🕊️ (@Elhebreo5) February 9, 2023
all role players
— 𝔐ali⁶🇪🇸 (@topabdi2x) February 9, 2023
BOOOOOOOO
— 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣 (@StanimalSZN) February 9, 2023
https://twitter.com/LooseBallBoys/status/1623775618616684544?s=20
Lol half of them don’t even want to be there. First round exit and then blown up in the off-season
— Tag (@Knicksnation15_) February 9, 2023
stay for the 10th seed lol💀💀
— Messiah Heat (@HeatWin061213) February 9, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Raptors have made it to the playoffs only two times out of the last four years, after winning the championship. They lost 4-3 to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semi-finals in the 2019-20 season. Later in the 2021-22 season, they suffered a first-round exit to the Philadelphia 76ers, after their inability to make it to the post-season in the 2020-21 season.?
Watch this story: ” Worst career-threatening injuries in NBA history”
The Raptors make just one addition before the deadline
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A few hours before the deadline, the Raptors traded Khem Birch, a 2024 first-round draft pick, and two future second-round picks for Jakob Poeltl from the San Antonio Spurs. The center is averaging 12.1 points and 9 rebounds so far this season.?
What are your thoughts on the Toronto Raptors’ trade deadline? Let us know in the comments section below.
