Wed Feb 05 02:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Raptors News Roundup: All-Star Snub, Trade Buzz, and Injury Woes

**Toronto, ON –** The Toronto Raptors are facing a busy period with a mix of disappointing news, intriguing trade speculation, and injury concerns impacting their roster.

**Barnes Shut Out of All-Star Game:** Despite a recent Player of the Week award, fueled by impressive averages of 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists over a three-game winning streak, Scottie Barnes was overlooked for the NBA All-Star team. While his career-high averages are noteworthy, the Raptors’ subpar record and Barnes’ lack of a significant statistical jump from last season likely contributed to the snub. His strong defensive contributions, often unseen in traditional box score stats, were evidently not enough to secure a spot.

**Raptors Eyeing Bold Trade Targets?:** Speculation is swirling around the Raptors’ potential trade deadline moves. While interest in Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans has been acknowledged, a more audacious target is being whispered: Zion Williamson. Despite Williamson’s injury history and hefty contract, the Raptors’ reported interest indicates a willingness to take a risk on a player who could fill a significant need at power forward. This move would align with the Raptors’ history of successfully managing high-profile, injury-prone players like Kawhi Leonard.

**Quickley’s Injury Issues Hamper Raptors’ Season:** Immanuel Quickley’s return from a series of injuries presents a complex challenge for head coach Darko Rajakovic. After signing a substantial contract and enduring a frustrating season marked by a thumb injury, pelvic injury, elbow issues, and a hip injury, Quickley’s struggles with consistency and shooting percentages pose a challenge to the team’s lineup. The Raptors face a balancing act between integrating Quickley and giving minutes to other key players like Davion Mitchell, Jamal Shead, and Bruce Brown. The team is keen to avoid the play-in tournament and focus on securing a high draft pick.

**DeRozan and Lowry Plan Toronto Retirements:** Finally, on a more sentimental note, former Raptors stars DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry both reiterated their intentions to retire as Toronto Raptors, signing one-day contracts to end their careers with the franchise that launched them to stardom. Both players emphasized the deep connection they have with the city and organization.

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