<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/toronto-raptors/nba-rumors-why-pelicans-didnt-want-rj-barrett-raptors-brandon-ingram-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Why Pelicans didn’t want RJ Barrett in Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NBA-rumors-Why-Pelicans-didnt-want-RJ-Barrett-in-Raptors-Brandon-Ingram-trade.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Why Pelicans didn’t want RJ Barrett in Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-03-03T13:03:41-08:00">March 3rd, 1:03pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-03-03T14:11:47-08:00">March 3rd, 2:11pm</time><address><a>Malik Brown</a>Malik Brown is a multimedia reporter based in Atlanta who covers the Hawks and Dream for ClutchPoints. Malik has worked in entertainment and sports, and he specializes in the NBA and NFL.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Toronto Raptors swung for a big fish at the trade deadline and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/raptors-news-pelicans-trade-brandon-ingram-nba-deadline">acquired Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans</a>. The Raptors traded away Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown, but there were talks that RJ Barrett could have been part of the deal. Surprisingly, the Pelicans <a href="https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-intel-jimmy-butler-trae-young-lamelo-ball-mark-williams-brandon-ingram-kyle-kuzma-raptors-wizards-76ers-mavericks/" rel="noopener">showed no interest in him</a>, according to HoopsHype.</p><p>“Barrett was discussed in trade talks for Ingram with New Orleans, but the Pelicans preferred the expiring contract of Bruce Brown and stretch-five center Kelly Olynyk, who’s owed $13.45 million next season, league sources told HoopsHype.</p><p>“With Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones already on the wing, the Pelicans didn’t view Barrett as a suitable fit for their roster as talks would have necessitated finding a third team, sources said,” HoopsHype wrote.</p><p>Though Barrett is having one of the best seasons of his career, the Pelicans didn’t see how the fit with him, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones would work, and they were going to have to find a third team for him.</p><p>The Raptors now have a solid young core of Ingram, Barrett, and Scottie Barnes, and it will be interesting to see what they plan to do with their draft pick. At one point during the season, many thought they would be one of the frontrunners for the top pick and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/raptors-news-toronto-historic-loss-celtics-triggers-cooper-flagg-predictions">possibly be in the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes</a>.</p><p>Since then, the Raptors have been winning games, and they’re more on the outside of landing the top pick unless the lottery balls fall in their favor.</p><p>There’s still a chance that Barrett could be on the move this offseason, especially since the Raptors put him in trade talks regarding Ingram. It will be interesting to see what direction they plan on going and what they want their roster to look like for the future.</p><p>As for now, many are waiting to see the debut of Ingram with the Raptors and how he would fit with the current team.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Why Pelicans didn’t want RJ Barrett in Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-raptors-were-viewed-as-cavs-biggest-threat-in-deandre-hunter-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Raptors were viewed as Cavs’ biggest threat in De’Andre Hunter trade talks');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Raptors-were-viewed-as-Cavs-biggest-threat-in-DeAndre-Hunter-trade-talks.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Raptors were viewed as Cavs’ biggest threat in De’Andre Hunter trade talks</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-02-12T13:41:59-08:00">February 12th, 1:41pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-02-12T13:41:59-08:00">February 12th, 1:41pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Cleveland Cavaliers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Cleveland Cavaliers viewed the Toronto Raptors as their <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/jake-fischer-latest-inside-the-brandon" rel="noopener">biggest competition</a> in trade discussions for De’Andre Hunter before ultimately acquiring the forward at the trade deadline.</p><p>Fischer reported that league sources indicated the Raptors and Hawks had engaged in trade discussions about Hunter dating back to the 2023 NBA Draft, around the same time Atlanta was aggressively pursuing Pascal Siakam. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans and Hawks were separately exploring a trade framework that could have sent Brandon Ingram to Atlanta and Hunter to New Orleans.</p><p>Sources told Fischer that the Hawks had interest in acquiring Ingram, potentially moving center Clint Capela as part of a trade package. Atlanta viewed Ingram as an appealing target in an exchange for Hunter, but ultimately, the deal did not materialize.</p><h2><b>De’Andre Hunter’s breakout boosts Cavaliers as Raptors pivot to Brandon Ingram</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DeAndre-Hunter-12-reacts-after-making-a-three-point-basket.jpg"><figcaption>© Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Hunter, 27, has taken a significant step forward this season, averaging a career-high 18.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 46.1% from the field and 39.8% from three-point range. His improved offensive production made him a coveted trade asset for multiple teams leading up to the deadline.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/cavs-news-deandre-hunter-hawks-trade">Cavaliers, who lead the Eastern Conference with a 43-10 record, secured Hunter in a trade</a> with the Hawks. In exchange, Atlanta received guard Caris LeVert, forward Georges Niang, three second-round picks, and two pick swaps. The move strengthened Cleveland’s perimeter defense and provided additional scoring depth as they prepare for a deep playoff run.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-trade-grade-for-blockbuster-brandon-ingram-deal-with-pelicans">Raptors, meanwhile, pivoted to a different trade route, eventually acquiring Ingram</a> from the Pelicans. Toronto sent Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk to New Orleans as part of the deal. Ingram, 27, is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and 37.4% from three this season. Shortly after the trade, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-raptors-brandon-ingram-trade-signals-desire-compete-next-year">he agreed to a three-year, $120 million contract extension</a>, securing his long-term future with the Raptors.</p><p>Toronto had been actively seeking value in return for expiring contracts, including Brown and Davion Mitchell. Brown, who was a key part of the Siakam trade to Indiana in January, was flipped to the Pelicans, while <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heat-news-new-players-from-jimmy-butler-trade-sound-off-on-heat-culture">Mitchell was later moved to the Miami Heat</a> in exchange for a second-round pick.</p><p>The Raptors currently hold a 17-37 record, sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference. Although they missed out on Hunter, their acquisition of Ingram reflects the franchise’s effort to build around Scottie Barnes while remaining competitive. With Hunter now in Cleveland, Toronto will face him on Wednesday night as part of a Cavaliers team that has emerged as a legitimate contender this season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Raptors were viewed as Cavs’ biggest threat in De’Andre Hunter trade talks

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-raptors-brandon-ingram-trade-leads-rj-barrett-speculation');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade leads to RJ Barrett speculation');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Raptors-Brandon-Ingram-trade-leads-to-RJ-Barrett-speculation.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade leads to RJ Barrett speculation</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-02-12T12:54:11-08:00">February 12th, 12:54pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-02-12T12:54:11-08:00">February 12th, 12:54pm</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University senior from Atlanta on track to graduate with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Recently, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-raptors-brandon-ingram-trade-signals-desire-compete-next-year">Toronto Raptors made one of the more surprising moves</a> of the NBA trade deadline by acquiring Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-news-brandon-ingram-120-million-contract-extension">Ingram has since signed an extension</a> with the franchise to keep him there the next three seasons, giving the Raptors another building block to work with.</p><p>Some have now pointed to wing RJ Barrett as a potentially awkward fit alongside Ingram and fellow forward Scottie Barnes, and recently, NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/jake-fischer-latest-inside-the-brandon?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;publication_id=392205&amp;post_id=157000422&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=false&amp;r=39f60&amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;utm_medium=email" rel="noopener">shed light on</a> the Raptors’ long-term thinking regarding Ingram, per Marc Stein’s Substack.</p><p>“Ingram’s addition sparks a natural question about Barrett’s fit in all this, since he’s another wing scorer who holds a $25-plus million salary,” reported Fischer. “…Barrett (is) someone who has to be monitored as a potential trade candidate once the offseason arrives.”</p><h2><b>A potentially awkward fit</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Barrett-celebrates.jpg"><figcaption>Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>While Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes will certainly make for a formidable trio who can make things happen on both ends of the floor, there will be questions as to whether or not the team would be better off investing some of its resources into other positions of the floor, including most notably point guard, where Toronto lacks a reliable option at the current juncture.</p><p>Toronto could also use as much shooting as they can get, as Gradey Dick and Immanuel Quickley are the only two reliable threats that opposing teams have to gameplan for currently.</p><p>Ingram’s integration into the lineup should solve some of the team’s floor spacing issues, as the former Pelican can score from multiple levels and also create his own shot when he needs to. Ingram also gives the Raptors a degree of defensive versatility due to his immense wingspan and athleticism.</p><p>Still, there will be plenty of questions this offseason as to how Masai Ujiri and company want to allocate their remaining resources, and whether or not moving Barrett may be a part of their plan to do so.</p><p>In any case, the Raptors will take the court for the final time before the All-Star break on Wednesday evening at home vs the Cleveland Cavaliers.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade leads to RJ Barrett speculation

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-raptors-brandon-ingram-trade-signals-desire-compete-next-year');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade signals desire to ‘compete next year’');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NBA-rumors-Raptors-Brandon-Ingram-trade-signals-desire-to-compete-next-year.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade signals desire to ‘compete next year’</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-02-12T10:32:43-08:00">February 12th, 10:32am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-02-12T10:32:43-08:00">February 12th, 10:32am</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University senior from Atlanta on track to graduate with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Recently, many in the NBA world were confused <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-trade-grade-for-blockbuster-brandon-ingram-deal-with-pelicans">when the Toronto Raptors traded</a> for New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram right before the deadline. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-news-brandon-ingram-120-million-contract-extension">Ingram has since signed a three-year extension</a> with the Raptors, giving the team a building block to work with for the foreseeable future.</p><p>The big splash seemed to contradict the notion that the Raptors were embracing a full-on rebuild, as had been indicated by some of their other recent moves, and now, more <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-season-latest-brandon-ingram" rel="noopener">light is being shed</a> on what exactly Masai Ujiri and company are cooking.</p><p>“They want to compete starting next year,” said one NBA source, per Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer (via Marc Stein on Substack).</p><p>Even last year when the Raptors traded away stalwarts OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, “team officials were already telling rivals that they valued established players as much as they valued future draft picks,” reported Fischer.</p><h2><b>Can the Raptors compete?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ingram-vs-the-Thunder.jpg"><figcaption>Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and RJ Barrett figure to form an intriguing trio of wing players who can thrive on both ends of the floor and impose their size on other teams. Add to that the scoring punch of Immanuel Quickley and Gradey Dick, and the Raptors could have something interesting brewing.</p><p>Still, the roster is lacking several key things, including a clear number one option, as well as a true point guard to help distribute the ball to those playmakers, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Ujiri try to find one or both of those things through free agency or the draft this summer.</p><p>In the meantime, Ingram is still sidelined with the same injury that kept him out through the end of his tenure with the Pelicans, rendering it unlikely that the Raptors will be able to climb out of the steep hole they currently find themselves occupying in the Eastern Conference.</p><p>Still, for a fanbase that hasn’t tasted much success since their 2019 NBA championship, things just got a whole lot more intriguing.</p><p>The Raptors will take the floor for the final time before the All-Star break on Wednesday evening vs the Cleveland Cavaliers.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade signals desire to ‘compete next year’

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-insider-dishes-multi-team-deal-involving-jimmy-butler-pelicans-raptors');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Insider dishes on multi-team deal involving Jimmy Butler, Pelicans, Raptors');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Insider-dishes-on-multi-team-deal-involving-Jimmy-Butler-Pelicans-Raptors.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Insider dishes on multi-team deal involving Jimmy Butler, Pelicans, Raptors</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-02-04T10:33:47-08:00">February 4th, 10:33am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-02-04T11:21:52-08:00">February 4th, 11:21am</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University senior from Atlanta on track to graduate with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Miami Heat</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>While the NBA still recovers from the aftershocks of the mind-boggling Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers trade, several big names remain on the market, including that of Miami Heat star forward Jimmy Butler. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-brian-windhorst-jimmy-butler-obsession-suns-trade">Butler has made no secrets</a> of his desire to take his talents out of South Beach, but as of yet, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-warriors-call-off-jimmy-butler-trade-pursuit-contract-extension-bombshell">Heat haven’t been able</a> to find a deal that makes sense for them moving forward.</p><p>There has been much speculation that a potential third team could be involved in a deal to help facilitate a Butler trade, and recently, NBA insider Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBLxE7GNV7g&amp;t=1546s" rel="noopener">dropped some insight</a> as to two potential candidates for such a role.</p><p>“Don’t forget about Brandon Ingram potentially being a matching salary back or somehow factoring in a multi-team construct with Toronto getting involved or just Toronto ending up coming in and taking on Brandon Ingram,” said Fischer, per Bleacher Report on YouTube. “That interest from the Raptors remains real from my understanding.”</p><p>Brandon Ingram makes about $36 million this year, while Butler makes $49 million, so if another salary in the $10-12 million range were added to the deal, Ingram could indeed be a helpful chip to help accelerate a Butler deal.</p><p>Meanwhile, Ingram would take a lot of the pressure off of Scottie Barnes in Toronto, giving the Raptors a legitimate perimeter scoring threat as well as some added versatility on the defensive end of the floor.</p><h2><b>Will Jimmy Butler get traded?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Butler-vs-the-Blazers.jpg"><figcaption>Sam Navarro-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>A week or two ago, it seemed like a formality that Jimmy Butler would indeed get traded. However, with just 48 hours remaining until Thursday’s deadline, there’s growing concern over whether Pat Riley and company may be asleep at the wheel.</p><p>The fact that Luka Doncic was only able to net the Dallas Mavericks one (!) first round pick is certainly not going to make Heat fans very hopeful about a potential return for Butler, although it should be noted that teams like the Phoenix Suns who are theoretically desperate might be willing to swing for the fences.</p><p>In any case, the Heat have two more games before the trade deadline, starting on Tuesday evening on the road vs the Chicago Bulls.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Insider dishes on multi-team deal involving Jimmy Butler, Pelicans, Raptors

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-lakers-know-it-would-be-pretty-hard-trade-for-jakob-poeltl');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Lakers know it would be ‘pretty hard’ to trade for Jakob Poeltl');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NBA-rumors-Lakers-know-it-would-be-pretty-hard-to-trade-for-Jakob-Poeltl.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Lakers know it would be ‘pretty hard’ to trade for Jakob Poeltl</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-02-04T09:50:28-08:00">February 4th, 9:50am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-02-04T09:50:28-08:00">February 4th, 9:50am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>After <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-rob-pelinka-gets-credit-from-josh-hart-for-luka-doncic-trade">securing Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade</a>, the Los Angeles Lakers are now shifting focus to bolstering their frontcourt depth. With Anthony Davis departing in the deal, the team is actively exploring options at center, and Toronto Raptors big man Jakob Poeltl has emerged as a potential target. However, according to Michael Grange of SportsNet, a league source acknowledges that acquiring Poeltl would be a difficult task.</p><p>“The Lakers know it would be pretty hard — not impossible — to get him,” the source said regarding Poeltl’s availability.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-mavericks-luka-doncic-anthony-davis-trade">Lakers pulled off a franchise-altering trade over the weekend</a>, acquiring Doncic along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in exchange for Davis, Max Christie, and their 2029 first-round pick. While the move solidified the team’s future, it left them thin in the frontcourt, making a move for a center a priority before the February 6 trade deadline.</p><h2><b>Jakob Poeltl’s value rises as Raptors hold firm in potential trade with Lakers</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Jakob-Poeltl-19-passes-the-ball-against-Los-Angeles-Lakers-center-Jaxson-Hayes-11.jpg"><figcaption>© Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Poeltl, 29, is having a strong season for the Raptors, averaging 14.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 61.1% from the field across 44 games. His interior presence, rebounding ability, and defensive skill set make him an attractive option for teams seeking size and rim protection.</p><p>According to Grange, the Raptors are <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/raptors-in-wait-and-see-mode-as-trade-deadline-approaches/" rel="noopener">holding out for a significant offer</a>, likely involving a first-round pick with protections. Toronto’s front office views Poeltl as a key piece in their transition phase, especially after trading what became the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to acquire him. The Spurs later flipped that pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a top-10 protected 2030 pick swap.</p><p>The Lakers currently have one first-round pick available for trade in 2031, but it remains unclear if they are willing to part with it for Poeltl. With the trade deadline just two days away, the front office must weigh their options carefully as they look to add size alongside Doncic and LeBron James for a deep playoff push.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Lakers know it would be ‘pretty hard’ to trade for Jakob Poeltl

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-raptors-brandon-ingram-trade-pursuit-murky-update');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade pursuit gets murky update');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NBA-rumors-Raptors-Brandon-Ingram-trade-pursuit-gets-murky-update.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade pursuit gets murky update</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-02-04T07:55:41-08:00">February 4th, 7:55am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-02-04T14:54:58-08:00">February 4th, 2:54pm</time><address><a>Tim Crean</a>Tim Crean started writing about sports in 2016 and joined ClutchPoints in 2022. He excels with his versatile coverage of the NFL, NBA, soccer, sports media, and more. As a longtime self-professed sports junkie, it is a dream to write about sports professionally. He’s a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan from Western New York and when he’s not enjoying a round of golf he's probably coaching youth soccer or flag football. You can catch all of his sports-related musings on Twitter at @twcrean.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-spurs-pistons-potential-brandon-ingram-trade-suitors">New Orleans Pelicans are open to moving Brandon Ingram</a> at the NBA trade deadline, and the Toronto Raptors are interested. So where are we with this potential trade? The latest update is that <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-raptors-team-to-watch-brandon-ingram-trade">the Raptors may be interested</a>, and the Pelicans may like what they would potentially get in return, but the truth is, <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/raptors-in-wait-and-see-mode-as-trade-deadline-approaches/" rel="noopener">no one really knows at this point</a>.</p><p>“The intensity of the discussions is hard to gauge,” Sportsnet’s Raptors reporter Michael Grange shares. “There’s a sense that if the opportunity was right, they would like to add a ‘significant piece’ to pair with Scottie Barnes and shift the program from ‘rebuilding’ to ‘competing’ sooner rather than later.</p><p>“No one I’ve spoken with denies that Ingram has been on Toronto’s radar or that they’ve reached any kind of conclusion one way or the other.”</p><p>Grange also notes that the Raptors could easily put together a nice Brandon Ingram trade package with RJ Barrett, Davion Mitchell, and draft picks.</p><p>That gives the Pelicans a player in Barrett, who is three years younger than Ingram and an expiring contract in Mitchell. It would also reunite Barrett and Zion Williamson, who played their one year of college basketball at Duke together.</p><p>This is not a no-brainer deal for either side, though. Brandon Ingram has excellent stats but plays in the midrange, which is not ideal in the 2025 NBA. He is also injury-prone.</p><p>The former Los Angeles Laker hasn’t played more than 62 games since his rookie season and has played fewer than 60 games in four out of his first eight campaigns. Currently, he has been out for eight weeks with a high ankle sprain, an injury that usually takes about a month to recover from.</p><p>Finally, the Raptors would have to know that Ingram would sign an extension with the club as he is a free agent at season’s end.</p><p>Grange concludes that, “The simplest solution for the Raptors might be to hang on to Barrett, hope his development curve continues to trend positively, and that there’s a contract in the future that makes sense for both sides.”</p><p>However, the Raptors are a team that desperately needs to try something different around Scottie Barnes, and giving Brandon Ingram a change of scenery at the NBA trade deadline could work out great for all involved.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade pursuit gets murky update

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-raptors-timberwolves-linked-deaaron-fox-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Raptors, Timberwolves linked to De’Aaron Fox trade');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NBA-rumors-Raptors-Timberwolves-linked-to-DeAaron-Fox-trade.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Raptors, Timberwolves linked to De’Aaron Fox trade</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-01-31T12:39:30-08:00">January 31st, 12:39pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-01-31T21:39:39-08:00">January 31st, 9:39pm</time><address><a>Josue Pavon</a>Josue Pavon is an Associate Editor and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer for ClutchPoints. He started his career as a credentialed media member writing about the Boston Celtics for WEEI.com in Boston, where he grew into a local on-camera NBA reporter and podcast host for CLNS Media. Alongside the Celtics radio broadcaster and two-time NBA champion Cedric Maxwell, Josue is the co-host of the Cedric Maxwell podcast.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Minnesota Timberwolves</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Days removed from Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox’s trade demand and one week from the NBA trade deadline, sources have linked a potential deal between the Toronto Raptors and the Minnesota Timberwolves. While Miami Heat forward <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-kings-not-pursuing-jimmy-butler-deaaron-fox-trade-talks">Jimmy Butler’s future is uncertain untied to the Kings</a>, according to a new report. However, the Raptors and Timberwolves are potential suitors, according to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel.</p><p>The Timberwolves and Raptors have both <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/jimmy-butler-deaaron-fox-warriors-nba-trade-deadline-intel-siegels-scoop" rel="noopener">reached</a> out to the Kings. However, it won’t be an easy move to make for the former, according to Siegel.</p><p>“Sources said other teams to inquire about Fox’s availability in Sacramento include the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors,” Siegel writes. “A path to possibly landing Fox would be extremely difficult for the Timberwolves and is unlikely since they’d have to move Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels to get out of the second apron. McDaniels does have a lot of fans in the Kings’ front office, sources said.”</p><p>Pairing Fox with forward Scottie Barnes makes the potential move enticing for the Raptors.</p><p>“One should never count out the Raptors from pulling off a big, unexpected move for a star,” Siegel writes. “Executive Masai Ujiri is always very precise when it comes to setting his organization up to make big moves, and it’s become clear that the Raptors want to find another young star to pair with Scottie Barnes.</p><p>“Could Fox be that guy and end up in Toronto, similar to how Kawhi Leonard did in 2018? Don’t count out the Raptors from making a significant addition in the near future.”</p><p>Fox is averaging 25.1 points on 46.8% shooting, 25.1 points, 6.2 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game for the Kings this season.</p><h2><b>De’Aaron Fox’s cryptic response amid Kings trade request</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Kings-guard-DeAaron-Fox-1.jpg"><figcaption>Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Kings guard <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/kings-news-deaaron-foxs-cryptic-unexpected-response-recent-trade-rumors">De’Aaron Fox addressed his trade request recently</a>, and without mentioning specific teams, addressed his future.</p><p>Fox <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBiderman/status/1884678772219158670" rel="noopener">says</a> he’s ready for whatever the future holds, per Kings reporter Chris Biderman.</p><p>“In this league, I expect the unexpected,” Fox said. “I think crazier things have happened.”</p><p>Fox was also asked if he had a preferred destination of where he’d like to go.</p><p>“For sure, I think everybody has a preferred destination,” Fox said. “I think everybody has a preferred destination if they’re not in the place that — or if they’re not going to be in the place where they are in the moment.”</p><p>Fox and the Kings have until February 6’s NBA trade deadline to strike a deal.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Raptors, Timberwolves linked to De’Aaron Fox trade

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-bruce-browns-potential-raptors-buyout-lead-nuggets-reunion');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Bruce Brown’s potential Raptors buyout could lead to Nuggets reunion');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NBA-rumors-Bruce-Browns-potential-Raptors-buyout-could-lead-to-Nuggets-reunion.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Bruce Brown’s potential Raptors buyout could lead to Nuggets reunion</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-01-31T10:01:17-08:00">January 31st, 10:01am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-01-31T10:01:17-08:00">January 31st, 10:01am</time><address><a>Owen Crisafulli</a>Owen Crisafulli is a Senior Editor and NFL Lead at ClutchPoints. He recently received his Masters in Business Administration from Nichols College. Previously, he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Sport Management and for a while ran his own sports website. Sports are his passion, and he thoroughly enjoys writing about thoughts and opinions that are related to the game. He has been a lifelong fan of the major professional teams in Boston and loves discussing all topics surrounding those teams.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Denver Nuggets</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The NBA trade deadline is less than a week away, and one team that is expected to be <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/2-best-trades-raptors-must-make-2025-nba-trade-deadline">selling off some spare parts is the Toronto Raptors</a>. With just a 15-32 record, the Raptors are the No. 12 seed in the Eastern Conference, so recouping some assets for players who aren’t a part of their future plans could make sense for them.</p><p>One guy who is a trade candidate is Bruce Brown, but even if he doesn’t get dealt, Toronto could buyout his contract, which would set the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-nuggets-interested-bruce-brown-reunion-theres-a-catch">stage for the Denver Nuggets to make a run at him</a>. While it would require some financial maneuvering from the front office in order to make it work, reports have indicated that the Nuggets are <a href="https://youtu.be/U3hz0MiEyoo?t=1927" rel="noopener">interested in reuniting</a> with Brown should he get bought out by the Raptors.</p><p>“If Bruce Brown gets bought out he would have a major market,” Jake Fischer said on “NBA Insider Notebook.” “A team that is definitely curious if he’s going to be available in the buyout market is his old team, the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets are very aware that they would need to make several moves to get under the first apron to be able to sign Bruce Brown, who makes north of the mid-level. Any team that is in the first apron right now is ineligible to sign someone on the buyout market, who makes north of what the mid-level exception is.”</p><h2><b>Nuggets could make play for Bruce Brown if Raptors move on from him</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Raptors-guard-Bruce-Brown.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>A key piece of the Nuggets title team in 2023, Brown averaged 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game on 47.8% shooting from the field during his lone season in Denver. With his role in Toronto diminishing, as he’s playing just 20.3 minutes per game, Brown is a strong candidate to find a new home in the coming weeks, as the Nuggets are already lurking in the event he gets bought out.</p><p>Brown could still get dealt before the trade deadline, but with the Raptors known to be weighing a potential buyout for him already, that could lead teams like Denver to wait them out. Denver’s plans could ultimately get foiled, but should Brown get bought out, his old team could come calling in hopes of a reunion taking place.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Bruce Brown’s potential Raptors buyout could lead to Nuggets reunion

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-raptors-team-to-watch-brandon-ingram-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Raptors a ‘team to watch’ for Brandon Ingram trade');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NBA-rumors-Raptors-a-team-to-watch-for-Brandon-Ingram-trade.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Raptors a ‘team to watch’ for Brandon Ingram trade</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-01-28T15:37:29-08:00">January 28th, 3:37pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-01-28T15:37:29-08:00">January 28th, 3:37pm</time><address><a>Troy Finnegan</a>Troy Finnegan is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2023 with a degree in journalism and minors in communications and sports media, as well as a critical sports studies certificate. He has had a passion for sports his entire life, and enjoys covering and writing about all sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The NBA trade deadline is just over a week away and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-heats-jimmy-butler-traded-insider-claims">all eyes are on the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler</a> as everyone waits to see where the star forward will end up after his third team-imposed suspension of the season was handed down earlier this week. However, Butler may not be the only star player on the move.</p><p>New Orleans Pelicans forward <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-insider-shares-update-on-brandon-ingram-potential-trade-suitors-if-healthy">Brandon Ingram has been sidelined due to an ankle injury</a> for the better part of the last two months, but he is still starting to garner interest from around the league. The Toronto Raptors are one team that <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-season-latest-brandon-ingram?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;publication_id=392205&amp;post_id=155938675&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=false&amp;r=39f60&amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;utm_medium=email" rel="noopener">has been sniffing around</a> to see if Ingram could be available, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.</p><p>“Toronto has emerged as a team to watch when it comes to Ingram,” Stein wrote.</p><p>The Raptors are also one of the teams that could be involved in a Butler deal as a third team to make the trade work for the Heat and whoever is acquiring Butler, so they have been very involved in trade discussions in recent weeks.</p><p>Ingram has been out since Dec. 7 due to a sprained ankle, and he still has not been cleared to do contact drills at practice for a Pelicans squad that has seen its season completely derailed by injures. With New Orleans currently sitting 23 games under .500 and the 27-year old forward in a contract year, it makes sense why it may be time to move on.</p><p>The Raptors likely aren’t competing for anything this season — they are 5.5 games out of the play-in picture at the moment — but <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-news-scottie-barnes-hilarious-2-word-reaction-fan-portrait">Scottie Barnes continues to play well</a> and cement himself as a franchise centerpiece moving forward. If Ingram would sign an extension in Toronto and the Raptors could make it work, they would be an interesting team heading into 2025-26.</p><p>Ingram would be an interesting fit next to RJ Barrett, who is currently manning the wing for Toronto, but the shot creation that Ingram provides would be a great complement to Barnes’ skillset and would take some pressure off of Immanuel Quickley. Ingram would also fit right in with the Raptors’ tendency to go after long, lanky wings and would give them good size on the perimeter, even if his defense leaves something to be desired at times. All in all, this would be an intriguing move that could vault the Raptors up the hierarchy in the Eastern Conference.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Raptors a ‘team to watch’ for Brandon Ingram trade

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-how-raptors-can-help-other-teams-trade-deadline');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: How Raptors can help other teams at trade deadline');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NBA-rumors-How-Raptors-can-help-other-teams-at-trade-deadline.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: How Raptors can help other teams at trade deadline</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-01-20T15:00:33-08:00">January 20th, 3:00pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-01-20T15:48:56-08:00">January 20th, 3:48pm</time><address><a>Quinn Allen</a>Quinn Allen is a Senior Associate Editor with ClutchPoints. He specializes mainly in soccer, basketball, and baseball. When Quinn isn't producing content for CP,  he's writing sports betting predictions for numerous sites across North America.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Toronto Raptors signaled the beginning of a rebuild last season <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-news-scottie-barnes-100-real-changes-og-anunoby-pascal-siakam-trades">when they traded both Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby</a>. The organization sits at 10-32 in 2024-25, which is second to last in the Eastern Conference. The rebuild is definitely in full force, and ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline, it appears the front office is <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/jake-fischer-latest-lots-more-of?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=false&amp;r=39f60" rel="noopener">looking to make</a> some deals.</p><p>Via Jake Fischer:</p><p>“The Toronto Raptors, according to league sources, have also signaled a willingness to grease deals around the NBA before this upcoming trade deadline,” Fischer wrote in a guest appearance on Marc Stein’s Substack</p><p>As Fischer noted, The Raptors sit $10.1 million under the tax, which means they have lots of flexibility to match salaries in any potential trades before February 6.</p><p>“They are as well-positioned as anyone to facilitate a trade,” one Eastern Conference executive said of the Raptors, per Stein. “If a team needs to send out four players to make the math work, do you send one to Toronto?”</p><p>While Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett appear to be the building blocks for Toronto, there are three players in particular who could be included in any potential trades — <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/are-bucks-serious-jimmy-butler-trade-deadline-suitor-siegels-scoop">Chris Boucher, Kelly Olynyk, and Bruce Brown.</a> Olynyk is reportedly one of several bigs across the league who may be available via trade.</p><p>The Raptors waived Bruno Fernando in early January, opening up a roster spot. They also have more than $42 million on expiring contracts ahead of this summer, which may be appealing to other organizations around the league.</p><p>Brown, for example, is on a $23 million expiring deal. While he’s a solid role player, Brown could be a nice addition for a lot of teams. We’ve seen the impact he’s made in the past with clubs like the Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, and Brooklyn Nets.</p><p>It will be interesting to see what the Raptors do in the coming weeks.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: How Raptors can help other teams at trade deadline

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-raptors-potential-trade-deadline-buyer');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Raptors lurking as potential sneaky trade deadline buyer');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NBA-rumors-Raptors-lurking-as-potential-sneaky-trade-deadline-buyer.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Raptors lurking as potential sneaky trade deadline buyer</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-20T18:33:51-08:00">December 20th, 6:33pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-20T18:33:51-08:00">December 20th, 6:33pm</time><address><a>David Yapkowitz</a>David Yapkowitz is an NBA Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is a credentialed reporter based in Los Angeles who covers the NBA/WNBA, NCAA/NCAAW and boys/girls high school basketball.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Toronto Raptors are mired in a rebuild with several players on their roster that could potentially be shipped out in a trade by the deadline; players that would benefit contending teams. But just because they are rebuilding, doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t look to add impact talent. In fact, the Raptors <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/latest-jimmy-butler-zach-lavine-nba-trade-rumors-siegels-scoop">could end up being buyers</a> on the trade market leading up to the deadline, as per ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel.</p><p>With the New Orleans Pelicans <a href="https://x.com/NBA_NewYork/status/1870259299299017132" rel="noopener">decimated by injuries</a> and potentially looking to blow things up, Siegel reports that the Raptors could look at CJ McCollum as a potential target on the trade market. He would come in as a strong veteran mentor to their young core that includes Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett.</p><p>As far as players that could be outgoing in a trade, Kelly Olynyk, Bruce Brown and Davion Mitchell are names that have come up as possibly being moved before the deadline. Siegel reports that while the Raptors are certainly in position to be sellers, and most likely will be, they could look to pull off a big move via trade with McCollum or Brandon Ingram being targets. Should the Denver Nuggets look to move Michael Porter Jr., the Raptors could look to acquire him as well.</p><p>Last season, when the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/pacers-news-pascal-siakam-raptors-pelicans-three-team-trade">Raptors traded Pascal Siakam</a>, that signaled the franchise’s shift to a rebuild Currently, Chris Boucher is the only remaining player left from the 2019 championship team.</p><p>The Raptors are currently 7-21 and in second to last behind only the Washington Wizards in the Eastern Conference standings. They are 3-7 in their last ten games and have lost six straight. They would be in line for a potentially high draft pick in what’s expected to be a strong 2025 NBA Draft.</p><p>In the days leading up to the trade deadline, the Raptors will certainly be a team to keep an eye on.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Raptors lurking as potential sneaky trade deadline buyer

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/heat-news-jimmy-butler-trade-rumors-take-a-pause-in-4th-straight-win-vs-raptors');   ga('set', 'title', 'Jimmy Butler trade rumors take a pause in Heat’s 4th straight win vs. Raptors');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Heat-news-Jimmy-Butler-trade-rumors-take-a-pause-in-4th-straight-win-vs.jpg"><figcaption>12/12/24</figcaption></figure><h1>Jimmy Butler trade rumors take a pause in Heat’s 4th straight win vs. Raptors</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-12T19:11:00-08:00">December 12th, 7:11pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-12T19:11:00-08:00">December 12th, 7:11pm</time><address><a>Zachary Weinberger</a>Zachary Weinberger joined ClutchPoints in October 2023 as a Miami Heat reporter as well as an Associate Editor. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2022 after covering the school's athletic programs since his freshman year at the FAU University Press, where he was a Sports Editor and Editor-in-Chief. He then covered FAU Sports for The Palm Beach Post.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Miami Heat</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>MIAMI – Despite the constant <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-jimmy-butlers-preferred-trade-destinations-with-heat-open-to-offers">rumors surrounding Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler</a>, the team handled business Thursday night as they won their fourth straight against the Toronto Raptors, 114-104. While the win will still be overshadowed, most likely by the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-suns-potential-jimmy-butler-trade-destinations">trade speculation with the Heat star</a>, they are still in the best stretch of the season.</p><p>Butler would have a modest game, scoring 11 points on three-for-eight shooting to go along with five rebounds and four assists. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heat-news-tyler-herro-drops-worthy-all-star-admission">Heat star Tyler Herro continues to have an All-Star</a>-type season, producing 23 points on an efficient nine-for-13 for 13 shooting, four of seven from deep, with four rebounds and four assists.</p><p>Bam Adebayo had another efficient game compared to the cold start to the season, as he scored 21 points, collected 16 rebounds, and recorded six assists.</p><p>Here are three takeaways from the Heat’s fourth straight win over the Raptors:</p><h2><b>A strong second quarter puts Heat ahead in the first half</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Heat-playong-defense-on-Dec.-12-2024.jpg"><figcaption>Rhona Wise-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>It was a rough start in the first quarter for Miami as Toronto came out aggressive on the defensive end of the floor, pressing stars such as Tyler Herro after having an explosive week where he was honored as Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Raptors star Grady Dick would have an impressive start of his own, having 12 of his team’s first 20 points as the Heat ended the period down four points.</p><p>There is no doubt that eyes were on Butler this game, especially since the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heat-news-jimmy-butler-fuels-trade-rumors-latest-hair-color">Heat star was rocking an orange hairstyle</a>, with people speculating that it was to poke fun at the recent trade rumors involving the Phoenix Suns. He would not have much impact on offense until making a free throw with two and change left in the opening period.</p><p>The second quarter started scary for the team as Toronto had a 14-2 run where they built up a lead by as much as 16 points, which, against a team that missed their best player in Scottie Barnes, was a reality check. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heat-news-erik-spoelstra-has-eye-opening-message-to-nikola-jovic-amid-diminished-role">Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra decided to play Nikola Jovic</a>, which was the first time he’s been on the floor since Nov. 23 against the Dallas Mavericks.</p><p>He turned out to be one of the reasons for Miami to start rolling on offense as they ended the period on a 33-10 run that quickly erased the aforementioned double-digit lead. Jovic would have an 11-point quarter, shooting three of three from the field two of two from beyond the arc to go along with a +23 on the floor.</p><p>Even the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heat-news-jimmy-butler-erik-spoelstra-shout-out-miamis-latest-diamond-in-the-rough">Heat guard Dru Smith would continue</a> to have productive minutes, scoring seven in the period. The team shot 66.7 percent (12/18) from the field and five of eight from deep.</p><h2><b>The second half was controlled by the Heat</b></h2><p>The Heat would continue to control the game throughout the second half as they outscored the Raptors 31-25 in the third quarter, shooting 50 percent from the field and from three-point range. Herro would contribute nine more to further hurt any chance Toronto tried to come back in this game.</p><p>Toronto could not find the magic they had in the first half, despite actually finishing with more points in the paint than Miami, 56-52, which is considered the Heat’s forte. However, it was from everywhere else that the home team found success as they finished shooting 40.6 percent from deep and 48.2 percent from the field.</p><p>It was a typical Heat win with the main three stars having solid nights where the second unit, and a welcome performance from Jovic, who finished with 14 points off the bench, provided a helpful boost to get them their fourth straight win.</p><h2><b>Despite Jimmy Butler trade rumors, the Heat won their fourth straight</b></h2><p>There is no doubt that the trade rumors surrounding the Heat star Butler were the sole focus of the team for the last few days, which is ironic timing since the team is playing their best basketball. After the 41-point win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 4, it had aspects of the start of a turning point for the Heat.</p><p>The team would go on to take down an explosive Phoenix Suns team, albeit without Kevin Durant, but the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heat-news-bam-adebayo-tyler-herro-open-up-on-miamis-positive-momentum-after-win-vs-cavs">Heat would then go on to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers</a>, which has a strong case to be the best victory of the season over the No. 1 seed in the East. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heat-news-erik-spoelstras-message-to-the-team-amidst-jimmy-butler-trade-rumors">Heat’s focus right now is to put the outside noise</a> of trade rumors and <a href="https://x.com/ZachWeinberger/status/1867343641200509243" rel="noopener">speculation on the back burner</a>, an aspect that Spoelstra said to ClutchPoints before Thursday’s win.</p><p>“This is this profession,” Spoelstra said. “Can’t get sick and see some narratives that are going out there, that’s going to happen, you know, in every organization at some point during a season, we’re trying to build on something like, played three solid games, we’re still not anywhere where we want to be, you know. So we have some work to do. And, you know, really getting ready for this final game of this home stand is the most important thing right now.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Asked Erik Spoelstra about the importance of mental toughness where they’re playing their best, but the organization is clouded with trade rumors.</p><p>“That’s this profession, you can’t get sick and see some narratives that are going out there, that’s going to happen…” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeatNation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HeatNation</a> <a href="https://t.co/JTW8axbVaI">pic.twitter.com/JTW8axbVaI</a></p><p>— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZachWeinberger/status/1867343641200509243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>At any rate, the Heat are now 13-10, on a four-game winning streak, as they now travel to take on the Detroit Pistons on Monday, Dec. 16.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Jimmy Butler trade rumors take a pause in Heat’s 4th straight win vs. Raptors

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/heat-news-jimmy-butler-on-injury-report-vs-raptors-amid-trade-rumors');   ga('set', 'title', 'Jimmy Butler on injury report vs. Raptors amid trade rumors');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Jimmy-Butler-on-injury-report-vs.-Raptors-amid-trade-rumors.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>Jimmy Butler on injury report vs. Raptors amid trade rumors</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-12T08:43:28-08:00">December 12th, 8:43am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-12T08:44:57-08:00">December 12th, 8:44am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Miami Heat</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Miami Heat (12-10) have <a href="https://official.nba.com/nba-injury-report-2024-25-season/" rel="noopener">listed</a> Jimmy Butler as probable for their Thursday night matchup against the Toronto Raptors (7-18) as they conclude a four-game homestand. Butler is dealing with right knee soreness, according to the team’s latest injury report.</p><p>Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with a decision on Butler’s availability expected closer to game time. In his last outing, Butler recorded 18 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals, helping the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heat-news-bam-adebayo-tyler-herro-open-up-on-miamis-positive-momentum-after-win-vs-cavs">Heat secure a 122-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers</a>, who currently hold the NBA’s best record at 21-4.</p><p>This season, Butler has been a key contributor for Miami, averaging 19 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game across 17 appearances. He is shooting an efficient 55.7% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc.</p><p><i><b>*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV <a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/nba/?irad=356361&amp;irmp=492408" rel="noopener sponsored">(Get Access | Save $30)</a>*</b></i></p><h2><b>Jimmy Butler’s injury status vs. Raptors</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Jimmy-Butler-22-smiles-at-the-bench-against-the-Cleveland-Cavaliers.jpg"><figcaption>© Rhona Wise-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Butler’s inclusion on the injury report coincides with swirling trade rumors surrounding the six-time All-Star. Earlier this week, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Heat are open to listening to trade offers, with Butler reportedly favoring moves to the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, or Houston Rockets. During an appearance on NBA Today on Wednesday, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-suns-potential-jimmy-butler-trade-destinations">Charania added the Phoenix Suns as another potential destination</a>.</p><p>In response, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heat-news-jimmy-butlers-agent-sounds-off-again-on-trade-rumors">Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, refuted the reports</a> in a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter. Lee criticized Charania’s claims, stating they were inaccurate. Heat owner Mickey Arison appeared to support Lee’s denial by retweeting the agent’s thread, further fueling speculation about Butler’s standing with the organization.</p><p>The Heat have found their rhythm after a sluggish 5-7 start to the season, winning seven of their last 10 games. Miami is currently riding a three-game win streak and aims to extend it against a struggling Raptors team. Toronto, at 7-18, is searching for consistency but faces a tough challenge against a Heat squad building momentum.</p><p>Thursday’s game presents an opportunity for Miami to solidify its position in the Eastern Conference standings while addressing growing questions about Butler’s long-term future with the franchise.</p><p>As the Heat look to continue their recent success, Butler’s health and potential trade scenarios will remain pivotal storylines to monitor in the coming weeks.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Jimmy Butler on injury report vs. Raptors amid trade rumors

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-some-within-raptors-wanted-kyle-lowrys-jersey-retired-before-vince-carter');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Some within Raptors wanted Kyle Lowry’s jersey retired before Vince Carter');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NBA-rumors-some-within-Raptors-wanted-Kyle-Lowrys-jersey-retired-before-Vince-Carter.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Some within Raptors wanted Kyle Lowry’s jersey retired before Vince Carter</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-09-23T21:19:24-07:00">September 23rd, 9:19pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-09-23T21:19:24-07:00">September 23rd, 9:19pm</time><address><a href="https://letterboxd.com/splooshpuhrty/films/by/your-rating/">Jedd Pagaduan</a>Jedd Pagaduan is a certified Clippers and Gunners fan, which means he's a very sports-traumatized individual. He now writes about sports instead as a form of therapy.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>On Monday, reports came out that the Toronto Raptors will be retiring the number 15 jersey of Vince Carter, one of the best players in the history of the franchise. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-news-vince-carter-earns-toronto-jersey-retirement-after-nets-announcement">Carter’s jersey retirement</a> will take place in a game against the Sacramento Kings on November 2 — a notable matchup since the team’s all-time leading scorer, DeMar DeRozan, will be visiting Scotiabank Arena as a member of the opposing team.</p><p>Carter spent the first six and a half seasons of his career with the Raptors, and he immediately became one of the most iconic players in the history of the association. Earning the moniker “half-man, half-amazing”, Carter was must-see television, and he was instrumental in establishing the Raptors expansion franchise as a legitimate NBA team.</p><p>However, Vince Carter’s legacy with the Raptors is very complicated. He did not exactly embrace the city of Toronto with open arms, and then he tanked his trade value during his final half season with the team to force a trade — not exactly what a player who will receive a jersey retirement wants to be known for. Thus, it’s no surprise that, according to the rumor mill, <a href="https://post.futurimedia.com/chumam/playlist/listen-52022.html" rel="noopener">some aren’t pleased</a> that Carter’s jersey will be hanging on the Raptors home’s rafters before that of the greatest player in franchise history — Kyle Lowry’s.</p><p>“There were a lot of people in the [Raptors] organization who felt strongly and still feel strongly that Kyle Lowry’s jersey should be the first that gets retired. Of course, Lowry is not retiring anytime soon. He’s going into year number 19, we know Kyle enough to know he’s going to want to hit 20 and then who knows after that. And then if you were going to do the Carter retirement thing, and it really seemed like that was inevitable,” TSN’s Josh Lewenberg said in an appearance on Game Play.</p><p>Indeed, the complicating factor is that Kyle Lowry is still an active player, as he is currently expected to serve as the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/76ers-news-insane-kyle-lowry-dunk-stat-surfaces-ahead-of-18th-nba-season">Philadelphia 76ers’ backup point guard</a>. Can the Raptors wait to retire Carter’s jersey once Lowry decides to call it quits? Perhaps. But indeed, Lowry contributed more to the success of the franchise, which has been very obvious since they broke through and won the NBA championship in 2019.</p><h2><b>Did the Raptors get it all wrong?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/New-Jersey-Nets-forward-Vince-Carter-1.jpg"></figure><p>Vince Carter did not handle his exit from the Raptors franchise with any grace whatsoever. His stats to begin the 2004-05 season tell the story of how he forced his way out of the team and got them a meager return in the process. In 20 games to begin that campaign, he averaged just 15.9 points — a steep drop-off from the level he played in over the seasons prior.</p><p>However, upon his arrival on the New Jersey Nets, Carter immediately turned up, averaging 27.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 57 games with the team. Just to rub even more salt on open Raptors wounds, he starred in a playoff series upset against his former team in 2007.</p><p>But as the old adage goes, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-news-vince-carter-expresses-desire-enter-hall-of-fame-toronto-player">time heals all wounds</a>, and it’s closing in on 20 years since Carter tanked his trade value and engineered an exit from the Raptors franchise. There is no point in holding onto a grudge for that long. Carter certainly deserves a jersey retirement, and it’s understandable if the top brass of the team did not want to wait until Kyle Lowry is done playing.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Some within Raptors wanted Kyle Lowry’s jersey retired before Vince Carter

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-lakers-warriors-get-eye-opening-links-to-bruce-brown-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Lakers, Warriors get eye-opening links to Bruce Brown trade');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NBA-rumors-Lakers-Warriors-get-eye-opening-links-to-Bruce-Brown-trade.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Lakers, Warriors get eye-opening links to Bruce Brown trade</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-07-22T13:01:07-07:00">July 22nd, 1:01pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-07-23T15:54:34-07:00">July 23rd, 3:54pm</time><address><a href="https://www.downeuclid.com">Evan Dammarell</a>Evan Dammarell is an award-winning sports journalist covering all things Cleveland, including the Cavs, right off the shores of Lake Erie. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. He can also be found three to five times weekly on Locked On Cavs, a part of the Locked On Podcast Network.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>After a rapid-fire succession of moves to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lebron-james-leads-2024-nba-free-agent-class">start NBA free agency</a>, things have been quiet, with some organizations working behind the scenes to upgrade their roster continually. A player who has generated a lot of interest among some contenders is Toronto Raptors swingman Bruce Brown.</p><p>The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors have quietly emerged as possible <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lauri-markkanen-trade-talks-reed-sheppard-dominance-nba-summer-league">suitors for Brown</a>.</p><p>“Speaking of the Raptors, they continue to explore the market for interest in veteran swingman Bruce Brown, who is entering the final year of his contract at $23 million,” said ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel.</p><p>Brown is highly regarded around the league for his positional versatility as well as his ability to make winning plays that don’t always show up in the stats. The 27-year-old <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brownbr01/gamelog-playoffs/" rel="noopener">held a big role</a> during the Denver Nuggets’ championship run in 2023, and his expiring contract will be appealing to several playoff-contending franchises.</p><p>The Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks are two teams that showed interest in Brown last season, sources said, and Los Angeles maintains interest in him this offseason. One team whispered to have interest in Brown and was quietly mentioned as a possible suitor months ago is the Golden State Warriors.</p><p>While unlikely to occur, the Warriors have the ability to move Andrew Wiggins, who is making more than $26 million this season, in a package from Toronto that includes Brown and other assets. This would open up more financial flexibility for the Dubs moving forward.</p><p>For the Lakers and Warriors, adding Brown makes almost too much sense for either team. His playmaking ability and versatility are beyond underrated, and more importantly, he has championship experience after his time in Denver. However, which team can make a more attractive offer to acquire Brown from the Raptors?</p><h2><b>Who could make the best Bruce Brown trade offer?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bruce-Brown-Versus-Warriors.jpg"><figcaption>John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><p>Ultimately, it will depend on what the Raptors want for Brown in any trade negotiations. Although Toronto is trying to become a playoff threat with Scottie Barnes leading the charge, they still have to acquire assets and pieces that can flesh out the final vision.</p><p>With that in mind, it’s good to remember that, to acquire Brown, three first-round picks, and Jordan Nwora, the Raptors sent Pascal Siakam to Indiana. Considering that the Raptors were able to get so much from the Pacers, they’ll likely be looking for equal value when sending out Brown in a possible trade.</p><p>So considering that the Lakers have the salaries of D’Angelo Russell, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, and others to plug into a deal, there could be some traction if the Raptors like the fit of any player alongside Barnes.</p><p>However, Los Angeles is limited asset-wise elsewhere, especially when it comes to draft picks, so that could make it difficult to finalize a deal since Toronto is likely looking for more than expiring salaries to complement and upgrade their roster.</p><p>That’s where the Warriors, who could use All-Star forward Andrew Wiggins as a bargaining chip, enter the fray. Dangling an All-Star-caliber wing who would help accelerate the Raptors’ rebuild, could be a much more enticing offer for Toronto, especially with Golden State having more moveable first-round selections.</p><p>Again, it all depends on what the Raptors want in a possible Brown trade. But for now, the Warriors can make a much more attractive offer than the Lakers.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Lakers, Warriors get eye-opening links to Bruce Brown trade

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-raptors-plan-key-free-agent-good-news-lakers');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Raptors’ plan for key free agent is good news for Lakers');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Raptors-plan-for-key-free-agent-is-good-news-for-Lakers.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Raptors’ plan for key free agent is good news for Lakers</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-07-09T08:52:43-07:00">July 9th, 8:52am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-07-09T11:45:29-07:00">July 9th, 11:45am</time><address><a>Preston Byers</a>Preston Byers is an experienced writer and journalist who currently serves as an associate editor for ClutchPoints and as a staff writer at The Vindicator and Tribune Chronicle, where he covers sports in the Mahoning Valley. Previously, Preston worked as an associate editor for Dot Esports and a site expert for FanSided's Union and Blue.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Toronto Raptors are rebuilding, and in their first offseason since trading Pascal Siakam, Toronto has signed young cornerstone Scottie Barnes to a max extension and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-2-threats-that-caused-raptors-give-immanuel-quickley-175-million-contract">re-signed Immanuel Quickley</a>. But the Raptors are reportedly not keen on <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-lakers-linked-to-raptors-sharpshooter-lebron-james-contract-decision">bringing back Gary Trent Jr.</a>, one of their key rotation players over the past few years, at the same price — and that may be the best possible outcome <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-2-lakers-most-likely-salary-dumped">for the Los Angeles Lakers</a>.</p><p>While the Raptors have committed a lot of money to Barnes and Quickley — about $400 million over the course of their contracts — Toronto has, according to TSN’s Josh Lewenberg, been hesitant to re-sign 25-year-old Trent, who is an unrestricted free agent <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nba/lewenberg-toronto-raptors-launch-new-era-with-big-bets-on-scottie-barnes-immanuel-quickley-1.2146154" rel="noopener">following the</a> conclusion of the three-year, $51.8 million contract he signed with the Raptors in 2021.</p><p>“Per a source, the Raptors were willing to bring the sharpshooter back at an annual salary of around $15 million when the negotiation window opened last month, but Trent’s camp was looking for a raise on the $18.5 million he made last season,” Lewenberg wrote. “Something in the $25 million range was believed to be the ask, a misread of a market that hasn’t been kind to players of Trent’s ilk – a very good three-point shooter (38 per cent as a Raptor) who has shown flashes in other areas but hasn’t been able to sustain them, especially on defence.</p><p>“Now, with the market drying up, one league insider suggested Trent would be ‘lucky’ to get the mid-level exception, valued at $12.5 million. A few reports have linked him to the Lakers, where it’s possible he could only earn half of that.”</p><p>Lewenberg reported that while the proverbial door is not completely shut yet — the Raptors and Trent’s representatives are expected to have another meeting this week — the team is “prepared to move on” from Trent.</p><h2><b>Gary Trent Jr. to the Lakers?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GTJ-and-Reaves.jpg"></figure><p>For a player like Gary Trent Jr., a valuable yet typically replaceable rotation piece, free agency can be a bit like gambling. Some players test the market and hit the jackpot, as seen by Paul George, who signed a four-year, $211.6 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers after months of extension negotiations with the Los Angeles Clippers. But as seen by Caleb Martin, who reportedly declined a four-year, $58 million extension by the Miami Heat and wound up settling for a deal reportedly worth between $32 million and $40MM.</p><p>Trent may soon, unfortunately for him, officially become part of that second group and join Martin. Any $25 million-per-year contract seems almost impossible now, and with teams seemingly being more selective with their mid-level exceptions, it would appear Trent may be taking a pretty steep pay cut wherever he ends up this year. There are several teams that could sign Trent to the non taxpayer mid-level exception, which is worth about $12.8 million in Year 1, but if teams decline to do so, the Lakers could be huge beneficiaries.</p><p>Since the Lakers are well into the tax and are right below the second apron, the mid-level exception they can deploy is much smaller than the one a team like the Raptors can. If the Lakers were to give their full taxpayer MLE to Trent, he would earn $5.2 million this season and could only sign for two years at most (non taxpayer MLE deals can be up to four years), although a shorter deal would be best for Trent anyway if he is trying to increase his value for next offseason.</p><p>Trent, who began his career with the Portland Trail Blazers before being traded to Toronto during the 2020-21 season, averaged 13.7 points in 28.1 minutes per game and shot 39.3% on threes last year. In terms of availability, Trent has played no fewer than 58 games since his rookie season.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-jj-redick-final-send-off-podcast-host">New Lakers coach JJ Redick</a> would certainly love to have a career 38.6% three-point shooter to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-new-contract-gets-major-update">complement LeBron James</a> and Anthony Davis, especially with the departure of Tauren Prince, who shot 39.6% from three last season in L.A., and the potential exit of D’Angelo Russell, who was the Lakers’ best three-point shooter last season (41.5% on a team-high 7.2 attempts per game).</p><p>What kind of pitch the Lakers could make to Trent to lure him away from potentially more lucrative offers remains to be seen.  If Trent were to settle for the $5.2 million MLE, the Lakers should expect quite a bit of competition from teams similarly straddling the second apron, which would serve as a hard cap if the taxpayer exception is used.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Raptors’ plan for key free agent is good news for Lakers

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-2-threats-that-caused-raptors-give-immanuel-quickley-175-million-contract');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: 2 threats that caused Raptors to give Immanuel Quickley $175 million contract');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-threats-that-caused-Raptors-to-give-Immanuel-Quickley-175-million-contract.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: 2 threats that caused Raptors to give Immanuel Quickley $175 million contract</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-07-09T07:46:21-07:00">July 9th, 7:46am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-07-09T07:46:21-07:00">July 9th, 7:46am</time><address><a>Ryan Bologna</a>Ryan Bologna is an author at ClutchPoints. He studied journalism and communication at UConn.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>When the Toronto Raptors signed Immanuel Quickley to a five-year, $175 million contract, the price came in a bit higher than many anticipated at $35 million a year, and while the Raptors could have matched any deal in restricted free agency, there was concern about <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nba/lewenberg-toronto-raptors-launch-new-era-with-big-bets-on-scottie-barnes-immanuel-quickley-1.2146154" rel="noopener">real interest from</a> the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN. However, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-masai-ujiri-makes-strong-promise-after-shameful-last-season">the Raptors believe</a> the structure of Quickley’s deal will make it age and look more reasonable down the line.</p><p>“The structure of the deal helps. Per a source, and as Raptors GM Bobby Webster confirmed to TSN on Monday, it’s a flat $175 million over five years – no options or annual raises,” Lewenberg wrote. “It will be worth 25 percent of the salary cap next season, but assuming the cap continues to rise as expected, Quickley’s cap hit will only be 17 percent by year five, when he’s 29 and the team figures to be more competitive and in need of the additional roster flexibility. That’s fair value for even an average starting point guard, and Toronto is certainly hoping that he can grow into more than that.”</p><p>It is right that Quickley’s contract extension <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/ex-clipper-paul-george-drops-bombshell-kawhi-leonard-raptors-team-up-revelation">with the Raptors</a> is flat over the five seasons, with the cap hit <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/_/id/70667/immanuel-quickley" rel="noopener">staying at $35 million</a> per season, according to Spotrac. As noted, the percentage of the cap that his contract will take up is just under 25 percent this season, then it dips down to an estimated 22.57 percent, then 20.51 percent, followed by 18.65 percent and 16.95 percent.</p><p>Quickley was arguably the best asset the Raptors got back in the trade that sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks. Now, he is solidified as a key piece for the team’s future, and if he continues to grow, this contract could look a lot better down the line.</p><p>It is a different structure from Scottie Barnes’ contract, who has ascending cap hits <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/_/id/74111/scottie-barnes" rel="noopener">from $38.6 million</a> this season to $51.03 million in the last year of the deal. There are also incentives to potentially get more money than is currently guaranteed for Scottie Barnes. RJ Barrett, who was acquired in the Anunoby deal and signed his deal with the Knicks, has ascending cap hits over the course of his contract as well, but if he performs the way he did after going to Toronto, his deal will not look too bad.</p><h2><b>Immanuel Quickley cemented as core piece for Raptors</b></h2><p>The centerpiece for the Raptors is Barnes, who made a big jump in year three and made the All-Star Game for the first time this past season. He was thrusted into a bigger role after Anunoby and Pascal Siakam were traded, with mixed results following. The hope is that more time playing with Quickley will help them achieve their goals.</p><p>Barnes had a season-ending injury, while Quickley took a personal leave, and the two only played 25 games together. Those two developing chemistry, along with RJ Barrett as well, is vital to the future of the Raptors, who are headed in a new direction with younger players following trading Anunoby and Siakam last season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: 2 threats that caused Raptors to give Immanuel Quickley $175 million contract

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-2-dark-horse-brandon-ingram-trade-possibilities');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: 2 dark-horse Brandon Ingram trade possibilities');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-dark-horse-Brandon-Ingram-trade-possibilities.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: 2 dark-horse Brandon Ingram trade possibilities</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-06-30T09:05:34-07:00">June 30th, 9:05am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-06-30T09:05:34-07:00">June 30th, 9:05am</time><address><a href="https://medium.com/bingeable">Sonny Giuliano</a>Sonny Giuliano is an experienced sports writer for ClutchPoints who has been covering the NFL, NCAA Football, NBA, and NCAA Basketball for well over a decade. Originally from the small town of Elba, New York, Sonny received his degree from Florida Gulf Coast University and currently resides in Naples, Florida</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>In just a matter of hours, NBA free agency officially begins, giving teams the opportunity to remake their rosters in the most drastic ways possible. One team that has already done just that this offseason is the New Orleans Pelicans, who on Friday <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/hawks-news-atlanta-trades-dejounte-murray-pelicans">traded for Atlanta Hawks guard</a> Dejounte Murray. However, just because the Pels have made one big move already, it doesn’t mean that they’re done dealing just yet. Only instead of trading for a former NBA All-Star, they could be sending one out the door.</p><p>“With trade chatter surrounding George settling down after he opted out of his contract, as well as Dejounte Murray being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, Brandon Ingram now becomes the focal point of discussions,” <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/sources-warriors-failed-paul-george-pursuit-nba-free-agency">writes ClutchPoints NBA insider</a> Brett Siegel. “Ingram is entering the final year of his contract and has been made available for trade. At 26 years old, there is still a lot to like about Ingram’s game and ability to be a primary scoring option. However, very few teams have shown legitimate interest at this time in the Pelicans forward.”</p><p>There are a number of reasons why teams aren’t lining up to inquire with the Pelicans about the availability of Brandon Ingram. Over the last three seasons, Ingram has missed 82 games, and given the continued growth of younger wings Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, in addition to the Pels’ commitment to run more of the offense through Zion Williamson, BI has become expendable to a certain extent.</p><p>So that raises the question, who will be the team that ends up prying Ingram away from New Orleans? The Jazz have been in the mix for a variety of potentially available pseudo-stars, and Ingram fits the bill. Additionally, the 76ers have deemed Brandon Ingram their <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-brandon-ingram-is-76ers-plan-b-if-paul-george-pursuit-fails">“plan B”</a> if their pursuit of Paul George falls short. But according to Brett Siegel, two other teams are considered dark-horse contenders to get in the mix for Ingram as well.</p><p>“The Jazz will likely internally discuss the possibility of pursuing Ingram this offseason, as will the 76ers if they are unable to land George. Two teams viewed as possible dark-horse destinations for Ingram are the Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors, sources said.”</p><p>Though Ingram’s trade value is something of a mystery at this point in time, from a salary standpoint, a potential deal with both the Kings and Raptors is actually pretty straight-forward. The contracts of Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes would be enough for Sacramento to get a deal done for Ingram, and the same could be said of Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk in Toronto.</p><p>But is there one more mystery team who could get in the mix for Brandon Ingram? One that has taken on a former high lottery pick with a questionable fit in the past, only to see it eventually pay off?</p><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Brandon-Ingram-making-a-pass-1024x574.jpg"><figcaption>© Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><h2><b>Could the Golden State Warriors make a late play for Brandon Ingram? </b></h2><p>At the conclusion of his section on Brandon Ingram, Brett Siegel asks the question, “Could the Warriors possibly emerge as another dark-horse suitor for Ingram in the immediate aftermath of their failed trade talks for George?” We’ve seen the Warriors make a move like this in the past when they traded for 2014 #1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins back in February 2020. Wiggins’ fit within the Warriors finely tuned offensive system was questioned, but just two years later, Golden State won their fourth NBA Title in the Stephen Curry/Steve Kerr era.</p><p>The Warriors were initially thought to be in the mix for Paul George, but those rumors have fizzled out. Golden State <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-warriors-open-klay-thompson-trade-help-get-him-to-new-team">will likely be losing Klay Thompson</a> this summer, and that leaves an opening for a player like Brandon Ingram to be able to step in to. Ingram doesn’t provide the Warriors with the floor spacing that Klay Thompson did, nor is he someone who could crash the glass and impact the game defensively like Andrew Wiggins did, but Ingram has scored at least 20 points per game in each of the last five seasons.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: 2 dark-horse Brandon Ingram trade possibilities

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-raptors-23-million-bruce-brown-trade-plan-emerges');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Raptors’ $23 million Bruce Brown trade plan emerges');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NBA-rumors-Raptors-23-million-Bruce-Brown-trade-plan-emerges.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Raptors’ $23 million Bruce Brown trade plan emerges</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-06-17T16:10:33-07:00">June 17th, 4:10pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-06-17T16:11:23-07:00">June 17th, 4:11pm</time><address><a>Quinn Allen</a>Quinn Allen is a Senior Associate Editor with ClutchPoints. He specializes mainly in soccer, basketball, and baseball. When Quinn isn't producing content for CP,  he's writing sports betting predictions for numerous sites across North America.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Toronto Raptors are coming off a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, finishing in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with a 25-57 record. It’s clear their best years are behind them for the time being, especially after trading both <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-news-scottie-barnes-100-real-changes-og-anunoby-pascal-siakam-trades">Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby</a>.</p><p>But, that doesn’t mean the Raptors aren’t planning to make some moves ahead of the 2024-25 season. In fact, it appears they have a busy offseason planned. The organization <a href="https://hoopshype.com/lists/aggregate-2024-nba-mock-draft-intel-on-knicks-suns-spurs-76ers-raptors-nuggets-wizards-more/" rel="noopener">is planning to pick up</a> Bruce Brown’s $23 million player option and then trade him, via Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.</p><p>“Toronto is expected to exercise Bruce Brown’s $23 million team option and use him as a trade chip entering the offseason, league sources told HoopsHype.”</p><p>This isn’t a huge surprise, to be honest. Brown, who averaged 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists after coming over from the Indiana Pacers in the Siakam trade, doesn’t totally fit the Raptors’ plans. While they may not be going into a full rebuild, Toronto is undoubtedly looking to retool with more draft picks and younger talent. Plus, Brown does become an unrestricted free agent after 2024-25.</p><p>In a potential Brown deal, the Raptors could get a draft pick or two, which may prove to be valuable in the future. The former Denver Nuggets guard is a solid player and boatloads of teams across the Association would be happy to add him to the fold, especially after seeing his importance to the Nuggets’ title last season. Brown also gets the opportunity to possibly play for a contender and return to the playoffs sooner rather than later.</p><h2><b>Raptors also planning Scottie Barnes extension</b></h2><p>Once Siakam and Anunoby were gone, it became crystal clear that Scottie Barnes was the franchise cornerstone in Toronto. He will play on a $10.1 player option next season before becoming an RFA, therefore <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/3-early-raptors-2024-nba-draft-targets-no-6-lottery-slot">the Raptors</a> are aiming to extend their former first-round pick this summer, via Scotto:</p><p>“The Raptors will also look to extend All-Star forward Scottie Barnes this summer, league sources told HoopsHype.”</p><p>That’s certainly a good idea considering Barnes’ importance. He’s been a key player for Toronto ever since Year 1 when he took home Rookie of the Year. This past season, the ex-Florida State star posted averages of 19.9 points, 8.2 boards, six assists, and 1.2 steals. Those were all career highs, including a 34% clip from three-point land.</p><p>There’s no question Barnes can be a building block for the Raptors. This is a team who just missed the playoffs two seasons in a row. That’s not exactly familiar. Toronto will be hoping to strengthen the roster this offseason and start contending again in the East not too far down the road. However, it may take a lot longer than they hope.</p><p>Per Scotto, the Raptors are reportedly keeping tabs on Purdue big man Zach Edey in the 2024 NBA Draft in case he falls. Edey is a Toronto native as well. But, chances are he’s off the board before the Raptors pick.</p><p>It will be an interesting few months ahead for the franchise and the roster could have a much different look once Opening Night comes around.</p><p> </p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

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