“Ben Simmons and Nic Claxton Engage in Trade Talks with Raptors as Siakam Trade Rumors Heat Up”
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The Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors continue to be the focus of numerous trade rumors ahead of Thursday’s deadline, and the latest include Ben Simmons and Nic Claxton as potential targets.
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that the Nets are interested in Pascal Siakam, while Toronto “covet” Claxton. In fact, the Raptors offered a first-round pick for Claxton last season.
Additionally, Scotto noted that the two teams discussed possible trades that would send Simmons to Toronto.
This is far from the first time the Nets and Raptors have been linked.
According to NBA reporter Mark SteinBrooklyn reached for Fred VanVleet and it was interested in Siakam. Ian Begley from SNY reported that the Nets “touched the base with Toronto over a later deal” when they struck a trade that sent Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks.
Toronto could be the most interesting team in the league before the deadline as any contender would surely want a combination of VanVleet, Siakam or OG Anunoby if they were really available.
The Raptors could be looking to get into sell mode with a 25-30 record that’s not even good enough for the play-in tournament in the current rankings, especially if the front office doesn’t see a quick turnaround anytime soon. even with a talented core.
Landing a slew of draft picks or young players in return for some of their veterans could help the Raptors revamp their roster around Scottie Barnes and build a potential team that could compete for years to come and avoid the kind of inconsistency that has plagued the group this season.
Claxton would fit the bill as a 23-year-old double-double threat who can protect the rim on the defensive side and finish lobs on the offensive side.
As for the Nets, even after the Irving deal, all is not lost.
They still have a solid supporting cast, and Kevin Durant remains one of the best in the league. Should they land another Impact player or two by deadline, they could make a postseason push without the eight-time All-Star at point guard.
Perhaps this important addition will come from their discussions with Toronto.
Source: bleacherreport.com
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