Masai Ujiri is an audacious man. Toronto Raptors‘ headman managed to trade his superstar mainstay, DeMar DeRozan, for a gamble on Kawhi Leonard. But nobody is complaining now, as the Raptors are a one-time champion. With the process failing big time in Philadelphia, and the dearth of superstars in the trade market, the Raptors were expected to go all in on this Damian Lillard trade. Yet, they let it pass. Commercial wisdom says that Masai would have something under his sleeve. If not Lillard, who else he is targeting? And who would he give up?

It is not a hidden secret that James Harden wants out of the Philadelphia 76ers, but Daryl Morey is a shrewd customer, too. His erstwhile friend Harden will only be gone from Philadelphia if they get a worthwhile return.

After Damian Lillard Trade, who’s going to walk out of Toronto?

Post Kawhi’s time in Toronto, all the hype was on Pascal Siakam to be the next superstar. However, he has not lived up to that expectation.

Though his post-season average of 15.9 ppg might look decent on paper, it lacks the impact that the Raptors expect of him. But, for any other team, he might move the needle. His ability to play defense, and to create his own shots will help a team that has a legitimate superstar. Toronto bringing him back could be for that very reason, which is to send him away.

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If James Harden does not get traded immediately, at least before the trade deadline, Daryl Morey and Masai are going to have talks. And it can even lead The Beard to the true North.

What would make the Toronto Raptors a contender?

A trade or two will not help the Raptors overcome the Bucks, the Heat, or the Celtics. Though Kawhi Leonard is given the credit for pushing the Raptors over the hump, it also needs to be pointed out that the Raptors already had a solid foundation for Kawhi to thrive. Dwane Casey and Nick Nurse built a solid team that just needed a legitimate superstar to lead them from the front.

As of now, the Raptors are no way near being ready for the big time. Scottie Barnes would have to grow up soon, and become the two-way player that he was meant to be. While OG Anunoby would have to be the voice of the team that builds a cohesive unit.

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In such a scenario, a superstar can walk in and turn around the fortunes of the Raptors.