There was pressure on Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri to be aggressive in the trade market. Kyle Lowry has an expiring contract and there are genuine questions about resigning him in the summer. This season realistically offers the best chance for the Raptors to reach their first NBA finals.
The Raptors roster before the deadline was flawed and unbalanced. They possessed too many guards and not enough bigs. It was clear to all that Jared Sullinger’s minutes weren’t helping the team. The number one priority for Masai was to acquire a power forward.
The Ibaka Trade
The Raptors traded Terrence Ross and the 2017 first round pick for Orlando Magic big man Serge Ibaka.