The Toronto Raptors have once again emerged as one of the more underrated teams in the NBA this season. Holding a 28-23 record, they rank seventh in the Eastern Conference and trail the rapidly unravelling Brooklyn Nets by just a half game in the standings.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Raptors appear to be in need of making an upgrade in their starting lineup in regards to the center position. Toronto has been busy in pursuit of getting that done.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Toronto Raptors have ‘searched for a center on the market’ ahead of the NBA trade deadline. Names they’ve expressed interest in trading for include Jakob Poeltl, Myles Turner, Robert Williams, Nicolas Claxton and Jusuf Nurkic.
The Raptors have searched for a center on the market and expressed interest in trading for several centers, including Jakob Poeltl, Myles Turner, Robert Williams, Nicolas Claxton and Jusuf Nurkic.
During the Raptors’ title run, the team had Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka to lean on at the center position. Both players provided a stretch-big impact and that was key to bring the necessary spacing for Pascal Siakam to operate given he’s a load to handle when getting downhill and near the paint, in general.
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Among the names listed, Myles Turner is the only player who fits the mold of being a stretch-five. It also just happens to be that he offers elite rim protection at greater levels than each of the other options linked.
Given the rarity of Myles Turner’s skill-set, the Pacers are seeking two first-round picks or a promising young player and a first-round pick in a deal. The original expectation was for him to be dealt ahead of the NBA trade deadline, but the stress reaction in his foot has tempered that.
Indiana is seeking two first-round picks or a promising young player and a first-round pick in exchange for Turner.
With the rim protection and defensive versatility that Turner brings to the table, imagine having Siakam, Scottie Barnes, and OG Anunoby surrounding him on the wing? It would become a truly daunting task for opposing teams to attempt to score on them throughout the course of a game.
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There’s a lot to like about Robert Williams as a potential option for the Raptors given his ability to switch on defense at a high-level. He’d bring a lot of speed defensively, too. However, the Boston Celtics have turned things around lately and have done so playing elite defense to which Williams has been pivotal.
A more attainable name on the trade market is a familiar one for the Raptors; Jakob Poeltl of the San Antonio Spurs. He is a sound defender with a proficiency for timing and angles as opposed to having elite athleticism. A quality player and a first-round pick could get a deal done, as Marc Stein has reported.
Toronto has all its first-round picks looking ahead, which can be dangled as trade bait for a potential starting-caliber center. The Raptors have flirted with the idea of moving a first-round pick to re-acquire Poeltl, HoopsHype has learned. San Antonio is seeking a first-round pick and a quality player for Poeltl, according to Marc Stein. Poeltl is averaging career-highs in points (13.3), rebounds (9.0), and assists (2.8) this season.
The Raptors have no business wasting their time pursuing a trade for Jusuf Nurkic for the sake of making a trade for a center before the Feb. 10 deadline. He has been an abysmal rim protector for a truly terrible Portland Trail Blazers defense. Other options should be pursued.
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Whichever name the Toronto Raptors end up pursuing aggressively ahead of the NBA trade deadline, it’s clear that Precious Achiuwa is not the answer at the position. Having to deploy Pascal Siakam at that spot to begin games is not ideal either.
