Grade the Trade: Mavericks land 25-year-old defensive monster in mock deal

Grading the trade for the Toronto Raptors

Entering a rebuild could be the best course of action for the Toronto Raptors this summer, as it seems as though the ceiling on the current group of players isn’t quite good enough to be a perennial playoff team.

Scottie Barnes is a solid piece to build around, and adding the 10th pick would give the Raptors more ammo to work with moving forward.

There could be some great players left on the board at 10, and the Raptors could add a second young prospect to play alongside Barnes. Guys like Taylor Hendricks, Gradey Dick, and Cason Wallace could all be there for the taking.

Adding Jaden Hardy to the mix would also be a big-time win for the Raptors, as Fred VanVleet is supposedly not planning on returning to Toronto. (Yet another reason for them to rebuild this offseason.)

As noted, Hardy showed some serious potential throughout his rookie season in Dallas, and with more freedom to play his game on a rebuilding Raptors squad, he could thrive.

The Raptors would have no interest in Bertans, but as previously mentioned, he would be included in this deal in order to match salaries.

Throw in the 2025 first-round pick, and this is a pretty nice haul for the Raptors. However, there are some other teams out there who could potentially offer better packages for Anunoby.

If they wanted to, Toronto could attempt to put a package together for the Portland Trail Blazers’ third-overall pick or another top-10 selection. Dallas’ offer isn’t bad, but it may not be the best they could get.

Potential starting lineup: Jaden Hardy, 10th overall pick, Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam (if not moved), Jakob Poeltl (if not moved)

Grade: B+