On many occasions of late, it’s been reported that NBA teams are inquiring about making a trade for the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft. The general narrative seems to be that given Houston’s existing young core, the Rockets might prefer a veteran influence to help elevate that talent, as opposed to adding yet another prospect.
Now, according to beat writer Kelly Iko, we know the identity of one of those teams. In comments made on Saturday’s “The Athletic NBA Show,” Iko said the Toronto Raptors have called about a deal.
“There are teams that still believe that No. 4 is a pretty damn good pick, and there are teams that are going to want to acquire that pick,” Iko said on the podcast.
The Raptors’ draft pick in 2023 isn’t until No. 13, so the primary compensation would have to come elsewhere. Toronto has two veteran forwards, OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, that could help the Rockets as they attempt to transition to Phase 2 of their rebuild, but both can become free agents after next season.
Since Houston isn’t on the verge of contending for a championship, previous reporting has indicated that general manager Rafael Stone would likely prefer to wait until the 2024 offseason and potentially sign such a player in free agency.
Theoretically, Toronto could offer 2021-22 NBA Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes, who is on good terms with Houston’s Jalen Green. But it remains to be seen whether Barnes is potentially on the table and/or if the Rockets would value him enough to lose the No. 4 pick.
The complete podcast episode can be listened to below.
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