They only have an even record in an uneven season, finding themselves firmly in the middle of the Eastern Conference pack, yet the Toronto Raptors believe they have reason to be bullish as they gear up for the NBA trade deadline — just a little more than two weeks away on Feb. 10. From the outset, the 2021-22 season has mostly been played under the umbrella of research and development in the first year of the post-Kyle Lowry era. But even with a steady drip of injuries and a brief COVID-19 interruption, the results have come sooner than might have been expected and — Toronto’s 22-22 record aside — have been encouraging. The club has essentially ruled out trading any of who they define as their core — Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes aren’t going anywhere next month. Instead, the goal is to scour the market for pieces that can augment that group now and in the near future. The Raptors are actively gauging the potential return if they attach future asse...