Toronto Raptors trade rumors: Mike Conley trade, Lowry accepts trade and more

#1 The team has cleared a roster spot ahead of the deadline

Melbourne United v Toronto Raptors

While there is still no concrete information pointing to who the Raptors will acquire ahead of the trade deadline, the team has already cleared a spot for an impending arrival. According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Informer, the Raptors opened up a roster space by trading Malachi Richardson to the Philadelphia 76ers:

Sixers acquire Malachi Richardson, Toronto’s 2022 second-round pick and the draft rights to Emir Preldzic in exchange for cash considerations in trade with the Raptors, according to sources

Richardson had managed just 22 appearances this season, and the trade leaves the Raptors free to pursue their primary targets ahead of the deadline. The likes of Wes Matthews and Marc Gasol continue to be linked with a trade to Canada, and the Raptors will undoubtedly be keen to make a big move due to increased competition in the East.