NBA insider reveals Raptors showing interest in $203 million All-Star, would be upgrade from Immanuel Quickley originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Toronto Raptors have found themselves in a good spot this season; they’re third in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 16-11. Now, it may be time for them to capitalize.
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Toronto could do with one more star, and if they had one, it could put them in serious contention to win a weak East. According to Michael Scotto, the Raptors had explored an option over the summer that they may want to reconsider: Charlotte Hornets All-Star LaMelo Ball.
“Speaking of trade interest, the Toronto Raptors checked in on the availability of Ball over the summer, league sources told HoopsHype. Ironically, Ball ran out of the tunnel with the Raptors before their game against the Hornets in Toronto on December 5th. Later in the game, he injured his ankle and has been out since,” Scotto wrote.
So far this season, Ball is averaging 19.4 points, six rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. However, he’s only played in 16 games so far this season.
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If Ball could miraculously become healthy again and stay that way, Toronto pursuing him may not be a bad idea. They could form a young Big Four with him, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Brandon Ingram, and have stars like Immanuel Quickley and Gradey Dick come off the bench as sparkplugs.
If the Raptors are still a top team in the East near the trade deadline, they need to consider this. This opening is going to be small, as the usual beasts of the East will be back to full strength by next season.
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