Toronto is being linked to a potential swap that would bring Anfernee Simons to the Raptors in exchange for R.J. Barrett and a 2030 second-round pick, with a third team likely needed to make the numbers work under the NBA’s cap rules. The chatter centers on Simons’ elite shooting as a path to boost Toronto’s lagging perimeter attack.
Last season, Toronto ranked 29th in the league in threes per game and 23rd in three-point percentage, underscoring why adding a proven shooter like Simons would be appealing. Simons has been a reliable source of long-range scoring, averaging 2.9 threes per game and shooting 38.6 percent from deep over the past five seasons. If paired with a core that already includes Scottie Barnes, the Raptors could boost spacing and pace, potentially unlocking more driving lanes and easier looks for other playmakers.
A direct trade between Toronto and Portland isn’t straightforward under the current salary constraints, which is why a three-team arrangement would be required to absorb and match salary while respecting the first apron. The idea is simple in theory: Toronto adds a shooter who can create offense, while Portland trades away a guard who has grown into a reliable perimeter threat. The third team would help bridge the salary and asset gaps, making the deal feasible for all sides.
Fit-wise, Simons would bring a legitimate off-ball threat and on-ball creation that could complement Barnes and other wings. In theory, he offers Toronto a different offensive profile compared with Barrett, one that could help space the floor and relieve some ball-handling pressure on Barnes. That said, integrating multiple ball-dominant players is a challenge in any roster, and Toronto would need to balance ball distribution and minutes to maximize the collective ceiling.
Beyond the on-court fit, the trade would need to pass the eye test in terms of long-term plans and cap flexibility. Barrett has shown value as a scoring wing, and a 2030 second-round pick represents a meaningful future asset for a team rebuilding or retooling. Portland would be weighing how Simons’ presence fits with its broader timeline, and any third-team involvement adds another layer of strategic calculation.
What this could mean for Toronto’s outlook is a potential stylistic shift toward more spacing and shooting gravity, which could help unlock Barnes’ playmaking and give the Raptors more offensive versatility. If the deal comes together, it would mark a notable pivot in their roster construction and signal Toronto’s willingness to reconfigure its core around shooting and pace.
Summary: A Toronto-Simons scenario hinges on a three-team deal that would address cap realities while delivering a proven 3-point threat to bolster the Raptors’ spacing. Simons’ shooting would address Toronto’s recent perimeter struggles and could improve overall spacing for Barnes and the offense. The path to a deal involves navigating salary-matching complexities and evaluating how Barrett’s value and the forthcoming draft pick fit into Portland’s plans, but the potential upside for Toronto’s offense makes the conversation worth watching.
Notes for editors: If readers want a quick takeaway, this trade pivot centers on upgrading Toronto’s shooting to complement the youth and playmaking on the roster, with a three-team structure necessary to make the numbers work under the apron rules. Positive framing emphasizes potential offensive improvements and strategic flexibility, while acknowledging the complexity and risk of integrating multiple high-usage players.