We have a trade! ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Toronto Raptors have acquired Davion Mitchell, Sasha Vezenkov and the 45th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft in exchange for Jalen McDaniels.
The trade was made possible because of a trade exception the Raptors obtained from their Pascal Siakam trade, allowing them to take on more salary than they are sending to Sacramento.
Analysis:
The 25-year-old Mitchell is a defense-first player who has spent the last 3 seasons in Sacramento trying to develop his offensive game to no avail. While his shooting has improved (he shot 36% from three on low volume last season) — he earned his nickname “Off Night” on the other side of the ball, hounding offensive players at the point-of-attack and even putting the clamps on Steph Curry for a portion of the Kings 2023 1st round series versus the Warriors. A Raptors team that desperately needed to find plus defenders has just got one they can use off the bench. Mitchell has the potential to be their backup point-guard long-term — Between their 19th overall pick last night, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Mitchell – the Raptors now have two Baylor guards on their squad.
Vezenkov is a little bit more of a different story. From the Raptors’ perspective, Vezenkov, the 2023 EuroLeague MVP can provide a spark as a shooter and creator off of the bench. And while the 28-year-old’s ‘rookie’ season in Sacramento was disappointing to say the least — at worst, he’s added depth for a team that lacked it last season.
Besides, the Raptors also received a second-round pick in the 2024 draft for taking on the salaries and now have two cracks at prospects in this class with the 31st and 45th pick.
This trade eats into the Raptors potential cap space this summer but they also add two players who likely will contribute next season and beyond.
For Sacramento — they clear salary and a roster spot which gives them more flexibility long-term and this summer when they could potentially add a player using the mid-level exception. Besides, trading Mitchell opens up playing time for Devin Carter, whom they selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2024 draft.
Essentially; the Kings clear their books and the Raptors get a pick for their troubles and some interesting players that can fill out their depth as they continue their rebuild.
A smart trade for both sides.
UPDATE:
The Raptors will also receive Portland’s 2025 second-round pick.
