The Toronto Raptors are in the midst of a pivotal rebuild, and the franchise’s future hinges on one rising star: Scottie Barnes. After trading away Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, the Raptors have fully committed to a youth movement, with Barnes as the centerpiece. But as the 2024 NBA Draft approaches and trade rumors swirl, questions remain about how quickly this team can return to contention.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- Scottie
Barnes’ evolution into a franchise player
- Key
trade assets and potential offseason moves
- Draft
prospects who could accelerate the rebuild
- A
realistic timeline for the Raptors’ return to playoff relevance
Scottie Barnes: The Face of the Raptors’ Future
Since winning Rookie of the Year in 2022, Barnes
has taken another leap this season, proving he’s more than just a versatile
defender—he’s becoming a legitimate offensive engine.
Barnes’ 2023-24 Breakout Stats:
📊 20.3 PPG –
Up from 15.3 last season
📊 7.8
RPG, 5.9 APG – Playmaking has improved drastically
📊 36%
from three – A major jump in outside shooting
His ability to initiate offense, guard multiple
positions, and lead fast breaks makes him the ideal modern NBA star.
But for Toronto to truly compete, they must surround him with the right
pieces.
Trade Rumors: Who Could Be on the Move?
With a mix of young talent and expiring contracts,
the Raptors have assets to dangle in trades. Here’s who could be dealt:
🔥 Bruce Brown (SG/SF)
- Acquired
in the Siakam trade, Brown is a valuable playoff piece on
an expiring deal.
- Contenders
like the Lakers, Knicks, or Heat could pursue him.
🔥 Gary Trent Jr. (SG)
- A streaky
scorer who could help a team needing shooting.
- If
he’s not re-signed, Toronto may flip him for picks.
🔥 Chris Boucher (PF)
- An energy
big man who could be a trade deadline target.
Potential Target: If the Raptors want to make a
splash, they could pursue a young star like Darius Garland or Lauri
Markkanen by packaging picks and players.
2024 NBA Draft: Who Fits Beside Barnes?
Toronto owns its own first-round pick (likely top
10) and could add another via trades. Here are three prospects who
make sense:
🏀 Reed Sheppard (Kentucky
– PG/SG)
- Elite
shooter (52% from three) with high basketball IQ.
- Could
be the backcourt partner Barnes needs.
🏀 Matas Buzelis (G League
Ignite – SF/PF)
- A 6’10"
playmaker who fits Toronto’s positionless style.
- Needs
to improve shooting but has superstar upside.
🏀 Donovan Clingan (UConn
– C)
- A defensive
anchor who could solidify the frontcourt.
- Would
allow Barnes to play more on the perimeter.
The Rebuild Timeline: When Will the Raptors Contend?
2024-25 Season: Development Year
- Focus
on Barnes’ growth and integrating young talent.
- Likely
another lottery pick in 2025.
2025-26 Season: Playoff Push
- With cap
space and more assets, Toronto could make a big move.
- Potential play-in
team if Barnes becomes an All-Star.
2026 and Beyond: Back in the East Mix
- If
Barnes becomes a top-15 player, the Raptors could return to
contention.
Final Verdict: Is This Rebuild on Track?
The Raptors are taking the right approach by
building around Barnes, but patience is key. If they nail the 2024
draft and make smart trades, this team could be back in the playoffs
sooner than expected.
Your Turn: What Should the Raptors Do Next?
- Trade
for a star or keep developing youth?
- Who
would you draft in 2024?
- Can
Scottie Barnes become a top-10 player?
Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️
#WeTheNorth #NBADraft #Raptors
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