NBA Trade Rumors: Toronto Raptors Set Sight On Jimmer Fredette
The Toronto Raptors are reportedly interested in trading for former BYU Cougars hotshot and current Sacramento Kings shooting guard Jimmer Fredette, a source close to situation reported on Saturday.
Fredette, the 10th overall pick in 2011 NBA Draft, continues to struggle with establishing a niche in his third year in the league. The former college basketball National Player of the Year and Naismith Award winner is averaging at least four points and almost two assists and rebounds in 12 minutes per game this season.
Despite his limited production for the Kings, Fredette has still drawn interest from several teams, including the Utah Jazz and the Toronto Raptors.
Fredette To The Raptors?
According to International Business Times writer Greg Price, the Raptors are pushing to bring the sweet-shooting guard north of the border to address their shooting woes from beyond the arc.
"Greg Price from The International Business Times has reported that Toronto is one of the teams looking to deal for shooting guard Jimmer Fredette of Sacramento," Price stated in his report.
The Kings have also expressed their intent in dealing Fredette to another team as they have no interest in re-signing the guard when his contract expires after this season.
"The youngster is in the last year of his contract and the Kings have made it clear they would like to deal their former first round pick as they have no interest in bringing him back next season," Price added via Digital Journal.
Toronto Needs Fredette's Shooting Touch
When given enough playing time on the floor, Fredette can actually contribute decent numbers as an outside scorer, thus giving any team the spacing they need on the floor.
Fredette averaged 7.2 points per game while he shot 38.7 percent from beyond the arc in three seasons. Moreover, the BYU standout showed in his recent games that he can play well at the point, distributing the ball exceptionally well before his playing time took a plunge again.
With the Raptors, Fredette is expected to have at least 20 minutes of playing time under head coach Dwayne Casey, who admitted the team's need to have a long range shooter.
The Raptors already traded Rudy Gay to the Kings for Greives Vasquez, Patrick Patterson and John Salmons. However, it doesn't mean the Raptors are done trading their assets for quality players who fit their system.