The next month could make or break the Raptors’ future — and the NBA is watching

In recent days, it surfaced that that the Washington Wizards are talking trades involving Rui Hachimura. Following Saturday’s home win over the Orlando Magic, Hachimura offered his thoughts on his game and the trade rumors.

After tying his career-high with 30 points, Hachimura expressed confidence in his game.

“I just got to play my game. I know what I can do, and I can help the team to win,” Hachimura said. “It’s either here or another team. I can help teams.”

On the rumors, the fourth-year forward said he wants to go somewhere that he’ll be appreciated.

“I just want to be somewhere that wants me as a basketball player,” Hachimura said. “And I want to be somewhere that loves my – likes my game, you know? I just want to be somewhere that trusts, believes in me. Just I can be myself – that’s my goal.”

Hachimura is eligible for restricted free agency this summer, with the Wizards or with a team that trades for him. When asked if he’s asked for a trade, Hachimura didn’t want to discuss those specifics and said, “No comment.”

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac last played in an NBA game on August 2nd, 2020 in the bubble at Walt Disney World. That day, Isaac tore the ACL in his left knee. After a year-plus of rehab, Isaac suffered a setback with a serious hamstring injury.

Those two injuries have cost Isaac the last two full NBA seasons and over half of this season. Now, two-and-a-half years after his initial injury, the Magic expect Isaac to return to the NBA court on Monday vs the Boston Celtics.

Isaac recently appeared in three games for the Lakeland Magic of the G League. Isaac was productive, by scoring 15.7 points in 17.7 minutes per game. More importantly, Isaac looked good physically and made it out of the three contests with no physical issues.