The Toronto Raptors could make a splash before the NBA trade deadline passes on Thursday. A report indicated Raptors swingman Terrence Ross was being shopped, with the team possible eying a trade for Indiana Pacers veteran David West, Brooklyn Nets veteran Kevin Garnett or disgruntled Utah Jazz big man Enes Kanter.
Toronto is looking to bolster their frontcourt depth. Although Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri told Grantland's Zach Lowe in December that he wouldn't pursue a trade for a one-season upgrade, Lowe said Monday he could see possible trades happening involving Ross, West or Garnett.
Per Lowe:
"Ross has been coming off the bench since mid-January, and though he can shoot, the rest of his game has stagnated - especially his defense. The Raps are listening to incoming offers on Ross, per several league sources, and a couple of power forwards on borderline playoff teams stand out as intriguing targets: David West and Kevin Garnett.
"Garnett would have to waive his no-trade clause, and he does not enjoy change. West is an even trickier case. He has been available off and on in exchange for a first-round pick over the last couple of months, per several league sources, but Paul George's potential mid-March return could change Indiana's deadline stance."
Lowe also named Kanter, the soon-to-be restricted free agent who reportedly wants out of Utah, as another possible target for Toronto. The Salt Lake Tribune reported although Utah will listen to offers for Kanter, the team isn't inclined to move him for anything short of a great offer.
In regard to Ross, Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy also reported the 24-year-old could be on the move before Thursday's deadline.
"Rival execs who've talked to Raptors believe they may be willing to build a package around Terrence Ross & Jonas Valanciunas to land a star," Kennedy tweeted Wednesday.
It's uncertain what Brooklyn would ask for in exchange for Garnett, who has the option to veto any trade he doesn't like. Garnett also hasn't ruled out asking Brooklyn for a buyout. If that were to happen, Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers would seemingly have the best chance of signing him.
As for West, ESPN's Marc Stein reported neither the Pacers nor West want a trade to happen.
