Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Toronto Raptors: 3 enticing frontcourt trade options

By Paul Taylor

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 01: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers blocks a shot attempt by Jakob Poeltl #25 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 01, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 01: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers blocks a shot attempt by Jakob Poeltl #25 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 01, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Toronto Raptors
Jan 17, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) is congratulated after a basket against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Jonas Valanciunas

Of the three potential trade options mentioned, Jonas Valanciunas is the one where we could be accused of taking a trip into fantasy land. Certainly though, Raptors fans would love to have him back in Toronto.

Trading Valanciunas in February 2019 helped land Marc Gasol, which turned out to be the final piece of the puzzle in winning the NBA championship. Make no mistake however, bringing him back now could also prove to be a step towards building another genuine contender in Toronto.

Ever since entering the NBA in 2012, the 29-year-old has continually grown each season. He has excellent athleticism and mobility for a big man, while being an overpowering offensive rebounder.

Valanciunas’ shooting has improved throughout his NBA career, with him on course for a career-high average of 18.2 points this season. He also has an aggressive streak which has become more prevalent as time passes.

The 2011 fifth overall draft pick is a very good defender, although this is the one area where he still has the potential to be even better. Overall, he’s one of the better centre’s in the league, while still also possessing some intriguing upside.

With all this in mind, it will be tough to persuade the New Orleans Pelicans to give up a player who is prospering in his first season with the team. Valanciunas has a contract which runs through the 2023-24 season, when his salary cap hit will top out at $15.435 million.

Ultimately though, as with Sabonis and Barnes, it is worth the Toronto Raptors contacting the Pelicans to discuss Valanciunas. As tough as it is to envision him leaving New Orleans, we all know what Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster are capable of.

Trending. Considering the trade scenarios for Goran Dragic. light

Which of three options mentioned do you believe the Toronto Raptors should go for/have the best chance of acquiring? Are there any other enticing options you would consider making an offer for? Let us know in the comments section below.

Home/Toronto Raptors