The Toronto Raptors returned to the playoffs this season but again bowed out after another first round beating this time in the hands of the Washington Wizards and the team might be looking to fill in the holes in their game through trade deals during the offseason.
Toronto had a great start in the 2014-15 season and their core of budding young players were even able to place them on top of the Eastern Conference for awhile.
But inconsistencies and a string of losing streaks let them finish in the fourth spot in the East with a 49-33 record.
The Raptors have no problem with their offense but surely are lacking in defense which is very important during the postseason.
One of the players that the Raptors should consider is Houston Rockets small forward Trevor Ariza according to Kevin Nimmock of Raptors Rapture.
Nimmock said Ariza can play shooting guard, small forward and power forward and also can defend these positions making him a modern day 3-and-D player.
In his return to the Houston Rockets this 2014-15 season, Ariza averaged 12.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.9 steals.
He was a steady contributor for the Rockets who made it to the Western Conference Finals but were eliminated by eventual finalists, the Golden State Warriors.
Ariza is an 11-year veteran who already played in a championship winning squad with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2008-09 season.
If the Raptors would acquire Ariza, they will be getting an experienced forward and a consistent contributor.
He will also be a huge lift on defense for Toronto and will provide veteran leadership according to Nimmock.
Nimmock added that Ariza may be inserted in to the starting lineup and will play the no. 3 position and DeMar DeRozan at the no. 2 spot.
According to the report, Ariza may be sent to Toronto in exchange of Raptors' standouts Terrence Ross and Greivis Vasquez.
Vasquez can replace veteran Jason Terry as he can shoot and pass as well while Ross may play with less pressure with Houston since James Harden is the main scorer for the Rockets, Nimmock said.
