The Toronto Raptors are having a surprising season, but reports are suggesting that the team could consider trading young players and assets before the trade deadline.

The Raptors, one of the teams believed to be in "tank mode" this season to snatch a potential franchise player in the 2014 NBA Draft, are reportedly gauging whether or not they can compete if they advance to the NBA playoffs this season.

Grantland reported that the results of the upcoming games of the Raptors will have a huge effect on their plans before the deadline.

According to the report, the Raptors will consider trading Terrence Ross before the deadline for a veteran player that could make an immediate impact this season.

Sources said that the Raptors could turn into buyers before the deadline and the first move that they could make is trading Ross to the Orlando Magic for Arron Afflalo.

Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri is reportedly interested in acquiring Afflalo, who had a good relationship with him during their time in Denver, while the Magic is also high on the potential of Ross.

"The Raptors could turn into buyers, using Ross as the linchpin to net one of the many proven veterans playing on rebuilding teams. One such veteran, Arron Afflalo, is a former Ujiri guy who plays for a team that values Ross highly, per several league sources," the report said.

If the Ross-Afflalo deal is not agreed upon, the Raptors will still aggressively shop for a veteran in exchange for Ross, but the success of their pursuit will rely on their stance on including the contracts of either Landry Fields or Steve Novak in any Ross deal.

Aside from Ross, the Raptors are expected to continue shopping point guard Kyle Lowry if they decide to go back into "tank mode" after their upcoming games.

The Raptors engaged in deep talks with the New York Knicks for a potential trade involving Lowry, but negotiations fell apart after Toronto asked for New York's 2018 first round picks.

Sources said that Lowry could head to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are looking for backcourt help after Russell Westbrook went down with an injury. The Miami Heat are also interested in Lowry, but both the Heat and the Thunder have little to offer to the Raptors.