Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Report: Raptors Discussing Deal with Mavericks for Kristaps Porzingis
It was just days ago that Toronto Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said the team was unlikely to make a "major move" considering how well the group has been playing lately.
Well, a major move has at least been discussed, according to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer, who says the Raptors have talked about a trade to potentially acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Dallas Mavericks in a deal that would allow Goran Dragic to pair up with fellow Slovenian Luka Doncic.
It would be a major shakeup and one that is certainly tough to see. The Raptors have made it clear they're reluctant to go into the luxury tax this season and acquiring Porzingis' $31.7 million contract would likely push them over the edge. The Mavericks have also been one of the Western Conference's best teams this season and a move of that magnitude wouldn't make sense for a team trying to win now.
While Porzingis' lackluster defense and spotty injury history certainly make his contract a burden for Dallas, the 26-year-old big man is averaging 19.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game this season and looks far more comfortable this season playing under Jason Kidd than last season.
A trade of that size would also hamstring Toronto's flexibility moving forward. While the Raptors are willing to take on long-term money for Dragic, there's reportedly a reluctance to take on money beyond next season, as Sportsnet's Michael Grange reported.
Porzingis is under contract next season for $33.8 million with a player option for $36 million the following season.
Further Reading
Raptors continue rolling to 7th straight victory with help on the way
Raptors considered Vegas favorites to land Myles Turner from Pacers
5 takeaway from Bobby Webster's pre-trade deadline press conference
