NBA Rumors: Raptors' Frustration Directed at HC Nick Nurse Ahead of Contract Year

Despite being regarded as one of the best head coaches in the NBA, Nick Nurse is reportedly the source of some irritation within the Toronto Raptors amid their ongoing struggles.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, there has been "frustration" within the organization directed toward Nurse at times this season.

Charania noted that Nurse has one more year remaining on his current contract. His future with the Raptors will likely "come into focus" this summer, per Charania.

Everything with the Raptors feels unsettled at this point because they are currently on the outside of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.

Eric Koreen and John Hollinger of The Athletic noted the Raptors seem unlikely to move key players like Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. before the trade deadline.

One reason why all of those players might stay put is because Toronto has put a huge price on them in trades. Per Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star, at least one team has offered three first-round draft picks for Anunoby.

Doug Smith of the Toronto Star added the Raptors want two players on team-friendly contracts and at least one draft pick in exchange for Anunoby. Smith noted Toronto also wants at least that much for VanVleet.

Expectations were high for the Raptors coming into this season after they made the playoffs with a 48-34 record in 2021-22.

When Kevin Durant made his trade request during the offseason, the Raptors were often linked to him because of their combination of young talent and draft picks. However, they weren't willing to include Scottie Barnes, who won Rookie of the Year last season, in any of their offers.

Things haven't gone as expected, with the Raptors five games under .500 at 23-28. They are on pace for their second losing season under Nurse after going 27-45 in 2020-21.

If the Raptors decided not to bring Nurse back next season, he likely would be one of the most sought-after head coaches in the NBA. The 55-year-old has a 209-150 record with one NBA title and three playoff appearances in five seasons with Toronto.