The Toronto Raptors just had their best season in franchise history but need to make moves in order to become a more serious threat to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference. Recent NBA trade rumors suggest Terrence Ross could be dealt in their bid to get pieces to improve their roster.
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According to Sports Illustrated’s FanSided, the Charlotte Hornets could be an ideal trade partner for the Raptors. In the proposed trade scenario, the Raptors will send Ross to the Hornets in exchange for Marco Belinelli and Cody Zeller. Based on ESPN’s Trade Machine, the deal works in terms of salary.
Belinelli, who averaged 10.2 points and 1.9 assists per game last season, will give the Raptors additional scoring threat, particularly from beyond the arc. The 30-year-old shooting guard could space the floor and give more room to penetrate for superstar guards Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.
Zeller, the fourth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, will improve Toronto’s frontcourt rotation. The 23-year-old center averaged 8.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in 73 regular-season games for the Raptors last season. The Raptors need a big man after losing Bismack Biyombo in free agency this summer.
On the other hand, Ross could provide additional firepower to the Hornets, who also had one of their best seasons in franchise history this year. The 25-year-old logged just 23.9 minutes per game last season, playing behind Lowry and DeRozan in the guard rotation.
Despite getting limited opportunities in a system that focuses more on Lowry and DeRozan, the four-year veteran posted 9.9 points and 2.5 rebounds per game last season. A move to Charlotte could work wonders for his career, and could even make him a starter, especially if Charlotte also part ways with Jeremy Lamb.
Ross could be an effective partner to point guard Kemba Walker or he could also take the role Jeremy Lin vacated. The former Harvard University standout, who averaged 11.7 points on top of 3.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game last season, left Charlotte and signed with the Brooklyn Nets this offseason.
Aside from the Hornets, the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic are considered as potential landing spots. However, the report pointed out the Hornets have better pieces to finalize a deal with the Raptors.
