This Raptors-Kings trade proposal swaps two intriguing players

One NBA writer is proposing that the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings make a trade centered around Precious Achiuwa and Davion Mitchell.

Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report proposed that the Raptors trade Achiuwa to the Kings for Mitchell and two future draft picks in 2024.

“To juice their defense and athleticism, the Kings land Achiuwa in exchange for Mitchell and a pair of second-rounders,” Hughes wrote. “Mitchell is in the NBA almost entirely on the strength of his stopping power, but he’s strictly a one-position defender at the point. Toronto could use him in that role, and the presence of O.G. Anunoby, Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam means it can also spare the 6’8” Achiuwa.

“Though he mostly defended centers, Achiuwa is perfectly comfortable switching onto just about anyone. Paolo Banchero, Jaylen Brown and Max Strus rate very high on the list of players he spent the most time matched up against in 2022-23.”

Achiuwa appeared in 55 games for the Raptors last season. He averaged 9.2 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 48.5% from the field, 26.9% from beyond the arc and 70.2% from the free-throw line. The Memphis product will make $4.4 million next season.

Mitchell, meanwhile, averaged 5.6 points, 1.3 boards and 2.3 assists for the Kings last season in 80 games. The 24-year-old shot 45.4% overall, 32.0% from 3 and 80.6% from the free-throw line. Mitchell will make $5.1 million next season.

The Kings lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in seven games, while the Raptors didn’t make the 2023 postseason. Toronto could use a guard like Mitchell since Fred VanVleet signed with the Houston Rockets this summer in free agency and Sacramento would certainly become formidable in the post with Achiuwa in the mix.

Mitchell has career averages of 8.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists, while Achiuwa has career numbers of 7.8 points and 5.3 rebounds.