We will briefly discuss the Toronto Raptors most likely trading partners, if we are indeed to acquire an additional 1st round pick.

Memphis Grizzlies – The Memphis Grizzlies own picks #12, 25, 28. The Memphis Grizzlies have multiple first round picks, and being the notoriously salary cap conscious team that they are, you know they would be hard-pressed to turn down between $1.5-$3 million for a late round draft pick. With Rudy Gay’s pending free agency they may be especially motivated to pick up all the extra cash they can, if they do, as they have stated, intend to match any offer restricted free agent Rudy Gay gets.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Chad Ford reports that the Thunder have turned down the Raptors overtures for a late round draft pick. Bryan Colangelo called about pick #21 and was turned down by Sam Presti who is smart enough to know he can land a rotation player for his young Thunder nucleus at #21. Presti also knows he can get a good piece for his team at #26.

Houston Rockets – The Rockets would likely only consider a deal giving up the 14th overall pick if it was part of a sign-and-trade for Chris Bosh. So not really an option

Minnesota Timberwolves – The T’Wolves have picks #4, 16 and 23. The Timberwolves are unlikely to be in a hurry to unload pick #16 even at $3 million dollars and we all know the 4th overall pick is not for sale. That leaves #23 which would likely leave us with some relatively good options if Bryan Colangelo is able to pry the 23rd overall pick away from the Timberwolves.

New Jersey Nets – The New Jersey Nets own picks #3 and 28 and have turned down the Raptors overtures for both picks according to Chad Ford.

Atlanta Hawks – The Atlanta Hawks own the 24th pick and as a notoriously cap-conscious team they may be willing to deal their pick in exchange for a few million especially considering they will need all the cash they can get with Joe Johnson heading to free agency.

Chicago Bulls – The Bulls have made the #17 pick available to any team willing to take on, reportedly, either Luol Dengs’ contract or Kirk Hinrich, but you can bet they will try to peddle the latter’s first. The Bulls are trying to free up a second max contract slot and trading away one of the aforementioned contracts will get them to that goal.

Portland TrailBlazers – The TrailBlazers have also made their pick available if the right deal comes along, they currently own the 22nd pick in the draft, and as stated with the Thunders 21st overall pick, there will be some good players that the Raptors covet available at #22. The trick is coming up with the right package to entice the Blazers to give up the pick.

The Memphis Grizzles are the Raptors most likely suitors, but it is just as likely that Bryan Colangelo is trying to swing a deal for less than $3 million, thus limiting our potential trade partners. There will be some good players available at #25 but it is hard to project exactly who as the draft is hard to get a firm read on due to the lack of parity between picks 15-25.  We will touch on the Raptors potential options if we acquire an additional 1st round pick later today or early tomorrow.

Raju Byfield is a Senior Sports Writer for Raptors Digest.

Raju Byfield also writes for Win My Fantasy League as a Senior Sports Writer/Fantasy Sports Analyst.