The Toronto Raptors are currently in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference with a 16-7 record to start the season. They are just a game behind the defending champions Cleveland Cavaliers. So far, the Toronto Raptors are playing great. But a recent 116-112 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers last Monday made them realize that in order for the Toronto Raptors to beat the defending champs, they needed an upgrade.
According to recent rumors, the Toronto Raptors are in talks with Memphis Grizzlies regarding a possible trade between the Grizzlies and All Star center Marc Gasol and former Toronto Raptor Vince Carter. The Memphis Grizzlies will get in return center Jonas Valanciunas, shooting guard/small forward Terrence Ross and a second round draft pick.
This is actually the second time this year that the Toronto Raptors and the Memphis Grizzlies have explored a possible trade between Marc Gasol and Jonas Valanciunas. Earlier this year before the trade deadline in February, the two teams talked about a possible trade between the two centers. But that deal fizzled out.
If ever the rumored trade pushes through, Marc Gasol will definitely be major a factor for the Toronto Raptors. The Memphis Grizzlies are on a five game winning streak and in all of those wins, Marc Gasol has been a beast. The Spaniard has been averaging 26.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.6 steals per game in 36.2 minutes of playing time. Those are pretty solid numbers.
In acquiring Vince Carter, it will be a homecoming of sorts for the Prodigal Son. Back in 2004, Vince Carter requested to be traded after a bitter dispute with Toronto management regarding the direction of the team. With Vince Carter, the Toronto Raptors will be getting a solid contributor off the bench. So far this season, Vince Carter has been averaging 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Not bad for a 39 year old.
The Memphis Grizzlies meanwhile are in 5th place in the Western Conference. For the past several years it's always been like that for the franchise. They're still a middle of the pack team and nothing has changed. That's why it's probably time for them to make a change and invest in the future. With Jonas Valanciunas and Terrence Ross, the Memphis Grizzlies will be getting dependable players that could easily fill in the void left by Marc Gasol and Vince Carter. Plus they have that future second round draft pick.
This possible trade would definitely benefit both teams. So don't be surprised if this will happen before the trade deadline.