The Toronto Raptors are reportedly exploring the idea of trading a couple of their young players for a chance at landing a star ahead of February 19 trade deadline, Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders reported on Sunday.
The trade season is down to its final four days, and the Raptors are one of several contenders expected to bolster their lineup by pulling off a significant move on the trading front.
According to Kennedy, the Raptors have been looking to beef up its frontline by adding a veteran rebounder. The Raps entered into negotiation with the Indiana Pacers for veteran forward David West, but their talks fizzled down because of the Pacers demanded a first-round pick. However, Kennedy said he was told the Raptors are trying to revive its trade talks with the Pacers, and this time, third-year swingman Terrence Ross emerges as its trade chip.
"Fellow Basketball Insiders scribe Steve Kyler wrote a couple of weeks ago that league sources had mentioned West's name, among others, in connection with the Raptors. Lowe heard earlier this season that the Pacers were open to dealing West for a first-round pick, but that talk of that had dried up.
The Raptors are pursuing David West and they have considered trading Terrence Ross if they receive the right offer, reports Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders."
Aside from West, rumors are also floating that the Raptors are open to package both Ross and center Jonas Valanciunas for an available star. Sporting News insider Sean Deveney stated that the Raptors weren't interested in trading Ross last month, although he's not sure it remains the case approaching the deadline.
Valanciunas, the 5th overall pick in 2011 Draft, is averaging 12.0 points and 8,6 rebounds in 26 minutes per game, while Ross, the 8th overall pick in 2012, is putting up 10.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game for the Raptors.
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