Report: Toronto Raptors Linked to Star 20 PPG Scorer In Trade Rumors

When there are trades for big-name players being discussed around the NBA, Masai Ujiri and the Toronto Raptors can usually be found prowling around the periphery, waiting for their moment to pounce (see: Kawhi Leonard, 2018, and Kevin Durant's failed Brooklyn trade request, 2022). 

That seems to be the case once again, as a new report has the Raptors wanting to get in on the Miami Heat/Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard trade talks. 

The Toronto Raptors are interested in Tyler Herro, per @MikeAScotto

“The Toronto Raptors can also be added to the list of teams that have expressed exploratory interest in acquiring Herro as part of multi-team trade talks between the Blazers and Heat involving Lillard, league… pic.twitter.com/T8HKdzDwMt

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 15, 2023

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, his league sources tell him that "The Toronto Raptors can also be added to the list of teams that have expressed exploratory interest in acquiring Tyler Herro as part of multi-team trade talks between the Blazers and Heat involving Lillard."

The Heat are looking for a third team to take on the former Sixth Man of the Year in Herro, who has averaged over 20 points per game in each of the last two seasons. But as a backcourt player, the Blazers have no need for him as the potential return from Miami in any Lillard trade, as they're building an exciting young backcourt already with this year's No. 3 pick Scoot Henderson and last year's $100M extension-signee Anfernee Simons. 

So enter the Raptors, who are desperate for shooting, and with the loss of Fred VanVleet from their backcourt, could certainly use another 20 points per game from the perimeter. Herro could provide that. 

Stay tuned to this development; we'll keep you posted. 

Photo: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports