Raptors are possible trade destination for Tristan Thompson: report

Mar 15 2021, 10:35 pm

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: the Toronto Raptors may have interest in Tristan Thompson.

It’s hardly a new rumour, though it may now have legs, following a report from Yahoo Sports’ NBA insider Chris Haynes. The Boston Celtics are said to be considering dealing the 30-year-old Canadian power forward before the March 25 NBA trade deadline.

The Raptors were the only team Hyanes listed as having interest in Thompson, calling Toronto a “possible destination.”

Thompson’s numbers are down across the board in his first season with the Celtics, following nine years with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Still, in 36 game this season, Thompson is averaging 7.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists, in 22.5 minutes per game.

The Raptors are a natural link to Thompson, and not just because of Brampton product’s birth certificate. Toronto hasn’t adequately replaced big men Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, who both left the Raptors in free agency. The Raptors currently rank dead-last in the NBA in rebounds per game (41.5), an area that the six-foot-nine Thompson would instantly help.

Thompson has one year left on his contract, which is a player option that pays him $9.72 million next season.

DeRozan heading to free agency?

Also of interest to Raptors fans is the status of DeMar DeRozan, who eligible to become a free agent at the end of this season. The San Antonio Spurs could look to trade DeRozan, Haynes reports, if they don’t get an extension done the trade deadline.

DeRozan, 31, is averaging 20.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists this season — his third in San Antonio.

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