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Raptors don't make any moves before NBA's trade deadline

Toronto Raptors, 36-17 (Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors, 36-17 (Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)

Take them as they are. The NBA's trade deadline has come and gone without the Raptors making any dramatic changes to the roster.

There were rumblings that third-year swingman Terrence Ross could be traded for a defensive-minded big man like David West or Kevin Garnett, but outside of those rumours there was little indication that general manager Masai Ujiri was close to making a deal.

"We're sticking with our guys. These are the guys we believe in. We're going to grow with our guys," head coach Dwane Casey told TSN's Josh Lewenberg. "Our development, growth & progress will depend on how fast our guys grow. So that's the commitment we're making to our players."

"We feel confident in this team in terms of growth," added Ujiri. "A vote of confidence for our players, to the team, to coach. We've made a commitment to try and give this group a chance."

Toronto wasn't alone in standing pat. In fact, the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers were quiet also quiet as Thursday's deadline passed. The Washington Wizards made a minor move, swapping Andre Miller for Ramon Sessions.

The big trades in the Eastern Conference came further down the standings. Most notably, the Miami Heat picked up point guard Goran Dragic while the Milwaukee Bucks sent Brandon Knight to Phoenix in a three-team deal and received Michael Carter-Williams from Philadelphia and Miles Plumlee and Tyler Ennis from the Suns. Two of Toronto's potential first round opponents just got better.

While there may have been a deal out there that could have given the Raptors a small boost this season, it's unsurprising to see Ujiri take the long road on this day. He's got a plan for the franchise and he's sticking to it. The significant moves will happen this summer.

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Israel Fehr is a writer for Yahoo Canada Sports. Email him at israelfehr@yahoo.ca or follow him on Twitter.