David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Even after losing reigning NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard in free agency, the defending champion Toronto Raptors are right back up there as one of the top teams in the Association.
Toronto heads into Thursday’s elite-level matchup against the Houston Rockets with a 15-5 mark, tied for the third-best record in the NBA.
This could have the team thinking about adding ahead of February’s trade deadline.
According Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Sam Amico, that includes potentially targeting veteran big man Tristan Thompson.
Set to become a free agent after the 2019-20 season, Thompson could potentially be had for pennies on the dollar. His Cavaliers are currently 5-15 on the season and in the initial stages of a rebuild.
In terms of a fit, this would make a lot of sense. Thompson, 28, has been darn good this season. He’s averaging 13.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks on 51% shooting from the field.
Toronto is looking for help inside now that veteran Marc Gasol is struggling to remain relevant. The three-time All-Star has been downright horrible this season, averaging just 6.5 points on 33.9% shooting from the field.