Raptors Trade Possibility

The Raptors have had a pretty impressive off-season and have completely changed the make-up of the roster. Last year within the starters, the Raptor lacked a player who could create and make that 'dagger shot' and also lacked athleticism. BC addressed the go-to-man concerns by adding Hedo Turkolu, a player the Orlando Magic entrusted with taking their final shots and Colangelo addressed the athleticism issue by drafting DeRozan and trading for Antoine Wright (in particular for the shooting guard position.) Last year, our bench consisted of the likes of Kapono, Pops, and Humphries but it has been completely revamped with the additions of Jarett Jack, Rasho, Reggie Evans and Marco Bellinelli. There have been some questions about the Raptors back-up small forward, and this article attempts to identify a potential trade that is (slightly far-fetched) but possible.

The Trade: Marcus Banks + Patrick O'Bryant + Second Round Pick To New Orleans for Morris Peterson.

Does it Work Financially?

Because both teams are over the salary cap, the total salaries being traded must be within 125% of each other. The total salary Toronto is taking in is 5,993,240 and the total salary NO is taking in is 5,408,982. They are within 125% of each other.

Marcus Banks earns 4,553,793 this year, 9,401,379 over life of contract (2 years)
Patrick O'Bryant earns 855,189 this year and over term of contract (1 year)
Morris Peterson earns 5,993,240 this year and 12,384,480 over the life of his contract (2 years)

Note: I took these figures from ShamSports.com

Why the Raptors Makes this Trade?

The Raptors would make this trade because they instantly convert two pieces of dead weight off their roster for a serviceable backup shooting guard. Banks and O'Bryant do not figure to play much this year and this trade would provide us with an asset in return.

Peterson has shown in the past that he is a good defender, is not afraid to drive and loves the city Toronto. The roster would be complete for this year and there would be no need to sign Delfino.

Over his career Peterson has averaged 3.6 rebounds a game in 27 minutes, giving him a per-36 rebounding rate of 4.8 which seems below-average for a small forward, but solid nevertheless for a backup. Peterson plays good man-to-man defense and is capable of playing 15-18 minutes a night. At the age of 31, he can provide a veteran's presence while still being able to contribute.

Why New Orleans Makes this Trade?

New Orleans is currently roughly $8,000,000 above the luxury tax and have been making moves to try and lower their cap number this year and for the short-term (such as the Tyson Chandler trade). With this trade, they are able to reduce their salary obligations by $500,000 this year and $1,544,654 next year. Since they are most likely to be over the cap both year, this would translate into a savings of $4,089,308.

Peterson has had declining minutes with NO, and only played 12 mpg last year. He only played in 43 games and started 2. On NO's roster, there is Peja Stojakovic, James Posey and possibly Julian Wright ahead of him on the depth chart.

Conclusions

I think Toronto would definitely make this trade as it is an effective way to remove two useless bodies off of the roster for a productive backup while still remaining under the luxury tax.

I think New Orleans might make this trade because of the significant luxury tax savings and because there is no room for Peterson in the regular rotation. The addition of a second round pick would also sweeten the transaction for New Orleans.