The Toronto Raptors’ interest in Lu Dort says plenty about where they’re looking as they sort through the offseason.
According to HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto, Toronto was one of several teams that made trade interest known before Dort was dealt from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team move that also involved the Dallas Mavericks.
“While Dort is on an expiring $17.22 million contract, the Hawks want to keep the Canadian swingman beyond this upcoming season, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote.
“Several teams expressed trade interest in acquiring Dort before he was traded to Atlanta, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, and Miami Heat, league sources told HoopsHype.”
The report doesn’t say whether Toronto’s interest came before or after its attempt to land Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of free agency. Still, the timing leaves open the possibility that the Raptors had Dort on their radar before that Leonard pursuit.
Dort ultimately fetched three second-round picks for Oklahoma City, which was looking to trim salary. Toronto could have handled the deal financially, but Dort’s $17.22 million salary for next season would have pushed the Raptors above the first apron, something they’re trying to avoid.
There’s also a clear basketball connection here. Dort and Leonard bring a similar defensive profile, even if Leonard is the far more dangerous offensive player. The difference, of course, is that Leonard comes with a higher price tag and a steeper asking price in trade.
What Toronto’s interest really signals is a search for a defense-first wing. Leonard fits that mold, but if he’s not on the roster because the trade gets voided or he’s hit with a suspension, the Raptors will likely keep looking for another player who can fill that role.
One name that could make sense is Josh Green, who was sent by the Charlotte Hornets to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the LaMelo Ball blockbuster earlier this offseason. Green is on an expiring deal, and Minnesota doesn’t appear committed to him long term, which could open the door to a deal later in the offseason.
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