Terrence Ross unlikely to be traded says Raptors GM Masai Ujiri

With the NBA's trade deadline set for 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, Terrence Ross has been a popular name in recent weeks.

The Raptors have been linked with Indiana Pacers muscle David West and Brooklyn Nets general antagonist Kevin Garnett, two veteran defensive-minded big men that would strengthen Toronto's frontcourt.

Ross has been the player on the other end of those rumours, but general manager Masai Ujiri doesn't anticipate trading away the 24-year-old swingman.

"I would be shocked if we did something with Terrence," Ujiri told Sportsnet's Michael Grange. "We’re a young, good team. I don’t think we’re that great of a team, but we’re learning how to play and how to win so we have to give them that opportunity. Do we have holes? Yes, but I don’t think now is the time to get desperate to fill them."

Ross lost his starting spot in mid-January. He's shown an ability to attack the basket and shoot the three on the offensive end, although not consistently, and he has the physical tools to be a lockdown defender. That kind of player is very valuable and while Ross has yet to put it all together for an extended period of time, it's too early to give up on him for a short-term minor upgrade.

Toronto is second in the Eastern Conference at 36-17. Their first game back from the All-Star break is on the road against the East-leading Atlanta Hawks on Friday, February 20 and odds are Ross will take the floor that night for the Raptors.

More NBA coverage from Yahoo Canada Sports:

- - - - - - -

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