Who will the Raptors acquire for Goran Dragic?

Toronto Raptors GM Bobby Webster has hinted that the goal is to trade Goran Dragic for a player who can help this year's team. Here are some names circulating that could potentially be making their way to Toronto.

Video Transcript

- Lots of rumors swirling around the Raptors and how they'll acquire assets when they hopefully trade Goran Dragic. Let's consolidate and discuss what's possible a day before the NBA trade deadline. According to Chris Mannix of "SI," the New York Knicks have shown interest in acquiring Goran Dragic, with Evan Fournier being the major piece heading to Toronto.

I don't buy it. Why? Because, while the money works, the term does not. The 29-year-old is under contract until the 2024-25 season, where he has the team option. And Bobby Webster has already stated that Toronto is looking to take on long-term money, more like until 2023-2024, when Gary Trent Jr. and Fred VanVleet both have player options in the final year of their respective deals.

Heading to Atlanta, where the Hawks got cap issues coming up and are looking to offload some players, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Danilo Gallinari both have been linked to Toronto. And I like the idea of both of them. Bogdanovic is having a bit of an off year, averaging just 12 points on 41% shooting and 36% from 3. But I think a change of scenery with a free-flowing system like Toronto would complement his game really well.

At 6'6" and 220 pounds, the 29-year-old plays tough, is a pretty good playmaker, moves well without the ball, and has a quick trigger. And, at 18 mil a season with a player option in 2023-2024, the contract works. Also, he scored 18 points in both games against the Raptors, so nice audition.

Masai Ujiri and Danilo Gallinari go way back to their days in Denver. He's a bit pricier and older than Bogie, but the man just gets buckets and loves taking big shots. At 6'10", 233 pounds, he can certainly hold his own against bulky power forwards and some undersized centers, can take advantage of mismatches, and just like he showed with Atlanta last season in the playoffs, where he recorded eight games with 16-plus points, he can tilt the game in your favor in a heartbeat.

Former Raptor Terrence Ross's name has come up a few times over the past few weeks. And it makes sense. Why? He's a UFA after next season, is accustomed to coming off the bench, hitting shots, and playing defense with a splash of playmaking.

He's averaging his worst 3-point shooting percentage of his career. But I'd attribute that to an inconsistent role with the fluctuating minutes as Orlando is going young. The Lakers, among others, are rumored to be interested. And, boy, could LeBron James use him.

I would love Harrison Barnes on the Raptors-- 6'8", 225 pounds, can do a bit of everything, is shooting a career-high 40% from 3, and is a UFA after the 2023-24 season. It feels like he'll get nabbed by some kind of contender if he is moved. But we can dream about it.

PJ Washington has garnered some interest from the Raptors, Heat, and a few other teams. He's on a cheap deal, has a qualifying offer on the table for the 2023-24 season. I mean, at 6'7", 230 pounds, he can handle the ball, shoot 3's from the floor. And I'm sure Justin Champagnie would be delighted to have him on board.

I don't know how many more athletic power forward types the Raptors need. It'd be cool to see a legit center come through. But you never can have enough talent, right?

Speaking of centers, Toronto has been keeping their eyes on Jakob Poeltl and Myles Turner as both would be terrific fits. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like it's working out with either of them. With Domantas Sabonis now a King, Myles Turner will finally get his opportunity to thrive without a post-dominant big beside him. And the Pacers actually look like they're building something kind of cool.

Meanwhile, with Poeltl, the Spurs' asking price is heavy as they, too, like the 26-year-old center. So it seems like Jak won't be heading to Toronto. The Raptors have also been linked to Robert Williams and Nic Claxton. But it would seem odd for Masai Ujiri to trade with a team that they're competing against for seeding.

Ideally, the Raptors avoid simply buying out Goran Dragic after the 3:00 PM trade deadline hits on Thursday. A rotation piece to help their current thriving starting lineup will go a long way in helping Toronto reach their ceiling as a team this season and the season after.