[Lewenberg] Sources say Raptors intend to be buyers this deadline

[Morris_Shatford]

With Holmes potentially available my interest level in the Yak's, Bamba's and Bagley's of the world is in freefall.

[tecumseh18]

With Holmes potentially available my interest level in the Yaks and Bagley's of the world is in freefall.

How much better is Holmes than Birch? Same size, same skillset.

Although tbf, Holmes might be able to stay on the court longer than Khem "Sorry coach, I have an ouchie" Birch.

[TorontoRapsFan]

I think a deal for Poeltl makes a lot of sense for the Raps. Addresses a need for a starting C that has probably been the most glaring need in their starting line-up. It also allows the remaining core players to settle into more appropriate roles.

I think a deal of Achiuwa and Boucher (plus maybe a 2 round draft pick) for Poeltl makes sense for both sides. Poeltl doesn't move the needle enough for SAS to invest in him, especially since he will be 28 at the start of his new deal (SAS is finally committing to the rebuild). But his age fits perfectly with where the Raps are at with their core.

Lineup:
C) Poeltl 32 mins (Birch 16mins)
PF) Siakam 24mins (Barnes 24mins)
SF) Anunoby 36mins (Barnes 12mins)
SG) Trent Jr. 36mins (Mykhailiuk 12mins)
PG) VanVleet 36mins (Siakam 12mins)

Achiuwa gives SAS a young big on a controllable contract, with future potential for development. For the Raptors, there are less mins for Achiuwa if Poeltl is coming in, and Birch is someone Nurse would trust more coming off the bench.

Boucher gives SAS an interesting piece, they of all teams could resign.

And adding Poeltl to the starting lineup allows the Raps to strengthen their bench by moving Barnes into the 6th man role. He could play the same number of minutes, just more in a supporting role, until he is ready to assume a larger role (hopefully number 1 option) in a couple years time.

Birch and Mykhailiuk provide just enough minutes off the bench to keep the top 6 around 36mins a game.

And in terms of who ends the game, I think Nurse just goes with the strongest 5 (of the core 6) in any given game.

But if alignment in age is your argument why not try and trade Barnes as well for someone who is similar to Fred and Pascal?

I think Poeltl is a better fit overall than Precious. Adds more size at C (rim protection), plus he is better at rolling to the rim on offence to draw in the defense of the opponent, and his age is not a deterrent, because the core (FVV, PS, OG) are all close to that age. I think Poeltl's age is more of a deterrent for SAS, because they appear to be going into full rebuild. By the time they are competitive again, he will be well into his 30's. And he is not a player you build around. More of a great complement to a strong core.

I would never trade Barnes, unless it was a deal that could not be refused (another better young star player). The hope is Barnes can develop quickly to being the clutch scorer for the team at the end of games. But even if that takes 2-3 years, the rest of the core is still young enough to still be in their primes for another run at the championship.

The reason the NBA has no clear dominant team is age and injuries are catching up with all of the current superstars. The Raptors could be looking at another competitive window in a couple of years as Lebron, Durant, Curry/Draymond, CP3 age out.

Raptors want to make Achiuwa their future long term starting C. They are ok with sacrificing size in the middle. Precious has shown he has the offensive tools and defensive ability. He can shoot out to the 3point line, and dribble drive half the court. His D is already good. He needs to get better at everything and he could be one of the best, or at least well rounded, C in the league. Raptors figure they can get him there. It's too soon to change their minds on him. And Birch is supposed to be the stand in untill precious gets there. I really don't think they're going to go get another starting C.

Besides all that though, they'll probably take almost any decent player for Dragic so if if happens to be Poeltl, then great.

[HomieOmey]

Everyone wants another big when we're a horrible shooting team. If anything we need bette4vperimeter play. Guys that can catch and shoot efficiently without wasting dribbles and fontvneed the ball in their hands.

Like who though? Are you talking about guys like Terrence Ross, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Jordan Clarkson? I'm not necessarily against such options, I'm just asking.

Isn't what you describe pretty much what Turner is supposed to be? His spacing for a center is mostly what makes him appealing to so many. We still need to give the bulk of minutes available to OG, Siakam, and Barnes, so there's probably a bit more room for a center shooting threes to impact our best line-ups than someone like Ingles for example. The idea of someone like Harrison Barnes is pretty cool, but is still leaves someone playing out of position.

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing I would like more than to see Siakam and FVV get to play with a premium scorer/shooter/ball handler like Beal or ZL in Chicago. But we're not getting that level of talent. I guess someone like Gordon Hayward would be ideal? Can't really see us having enough for even him unless we're really changing our roster.

[bape_lovers]

is Holmes some kind of all star? his name has been on RGM year of year in offseasons or trade deadline

With Holmes potentially available my interest level in the Yak's, Bamba's and Bagley's of the world is in freefall.

[Rodrickle]

With Holmes potentially available my interest level in the Yaks and Bagley's of the world is in freefall.

How much better is Holmes than Birch? Same size, same skillset.

Although tbf, Holmes might be able to stay on the court longer than Khem "Sorry coach, I have an ouchie" Birch.

I think he's a step up from Birch. Birch is a fine backup, but he's a bit too passive on offense. I think he tries to make the good team play by passing it off almost everytime, but I think he lacks confidence in his offense. Holmes is more aggressive imo. While Holmes doesn't take many threes, I think we could develop that part of his offense. He was taking threes at Bowling Green iirc. His contract is very reasonable as well imo

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[InfraRedshaw]

Would yall rather a 1/2 or 2/3?

To me I think we could go either way, as we can run Scottie at PG to spell fred!

I want to just throw out a name, Justin Holiday!

[NotMyKawhi]

I think flynn, boucher the expiring of dragic and maybe a protected 2022 1st will be what they use to buy imo

[alienchild]

Would yall rather a 1/2 or 2/3?

To me I think we could go either way, as we can run Scottie at PG to spell fred!

I want to just throw out a name, Justin Holiday!

Consider him thrown out.

[NotMyKawhi]

I trade flynn before he has no value.

when you're young, on a rookie deal w multiple years left some team will bite on potential

[Rodrickle]

I think a deal for Poeltl makes a lot of sense for the Raps. Addresses a need for a starting C that has probably been the most glaring need in their starting line-up. It also allows the remaining core players to settle into more appropriate roles.

I think a deal of Achiuwa and Boucher (plus maybe a 2 round draft pick) for Poeltl makes sense for both sides. Poeltl doesn't move the needle enough for SAS to invest in him, especially since he will be 28 at the start of his new deal (SAS is finally committing to the rebuild). But his age fits perfectly with where the Raps are at with their core.

Lineup:
C) Poeltl 32 mins (Birch 16mins)
PF) Siakam 24mins (Barnes 24mins)
SF) Anunoby 36mins (Barnes 12mins)
SG) Trent Jr. 36mins (Mykhailiuk 12mins)
PG) VanVleet 36mins (Siakam 12mins)

Achiuwa gives SAS a young big on a controllable contract, with future potential for development. For the Raptors, there are less mins for Achiuwa if Poeltl is coming in, and Birch is someone Nurse would trust more coming off the bench.

Boucher gives SAS an interesting piece, they of all teams could resign.

And adding Poeltl to the starting lineup allows the Raps to strengthen their bench by moving Barnes into the 6th man role. He could play the same number of minutes, just more in a supporting role, until he is ready to assume a larger role (hopefully number 1 option) in a couple years time.

Birch and Mykhailiuk provide just enough minutes off the bench to keep the top 6 around 36mins a game.

And in terms of who ends the game, I think Nurse just goes with the strongest 5 (of the core 6) in any given game.

But if alignment in age is your argument why not try and trade Barnes as well for someone who is similar to Fred and Pascal?

I think Poeltl is a better fit overall than Precious. Adds more size at C (rim protection), plus he is better at rolling to the rim on offence to draw in the defense of the opponent, and his age is not a deterrent, because the core (FVV, PS, OG) are all close to that age. I think Poeltl's age is more of a deterrent for SAS, because they appear to be going into full rebuild. By the time they are competitive again, he will be well into his 30's. And he is not a player you build around. More of a great complement to a strong core.

I would never trade Barnes, unless it was a deal that could not be refused (another better young star player). The hope is Barnes can develop quickly to being the clutch scorer for the team at the end of games. But even if that takes 2-3 years, the rest of the core is still young enough to still be in their primes for another run at the championship.

The reason the NBA has no clear dominant team is age and injuries are catching up with all of the current superstars. The Raptors could be looking at another competitive window in a couple of years as Lebron, Durant, Curry/Draymond, CP3 age out.

The big concern with Poeltl is spacing. He's a good defender with the probably the lighest feet in the league at centre but he'll clog the lane for Pascal and Freddie on offense. If we make the playoffs, I could see teams hack-a-Poeltl as he's only shooting free throws in the 30s%. He's regressed badly in that area.

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[mulamutti]

Don't get the obsession with Poeltl. He adds a win or two but doesn't move the needle whatsoever.

Disagree. At this point, any above average NBA player that can play significant rotation minutes will be a huge upgrade, particularly at center. just the minutes relief for big 3 will be consequential.

In addition, Poeltl is a considerable upgrade to khem birch. He is young, and excellent at rotations, and playing defense. He would have likely gotten better at SA with Pop and Tim duncan lurking around. So hell ya, I would want him back!

[Rodrickle]

Would yall rather a 1/2 or 2/3?

To me I think we could go either way, as we can run Scottie at PG to spell fred!

I want to just throw out a name, Justin Holiday!

Any Holiday brother would be great lol. Aaron is available too I believe and he can playmake a little unlike Justin. Would be happy with either though.

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[goinrogue]

Toronto media are famous for knowing jack ****. Josh strikes me as someone who wants people to think he’s super connected but I don’t buy it. I think he’s guessing Toronto will make some deals and wants people to think he has insider knowledge if he’s right. Nick is playing a 7 men rotation. It’s not crazy to think Masai will make a trade or 2

[Yeezus_]

With Holmes potentially available my interest level in the Yaks and Bagley's of the world is in freefall.

How much better is Holmes than Birch? Same size, same skillset.

Although tbf, Holmes might be able to stay on the court longer than Khem "Sorry coach, I have an ouchie" Birch.

Holmes has a history of injuries too lol

[Backcountry]

Sources have said that the Raptors have been involved in practically every NBA trade all season (and last season, and the season before that...), and Dragic is immediately going to be flipped to Dallas, and Giannis is signing here last summer, and Kawhi is going to sign with us long-term, and Derozan is a Raptor for life, and so on, and so on...

I'm just going to wait and see what they do.

[tecumseh18]

I trade flynn before he has no value.

when you're young, on a rookie deal w multiple years left some team will bite on potential

Malachi played so well against the Mavs late last year, but their management and coaching from last year is entirely replaced. It's possible that he's not getting played because Raps want to try to preserve whatever value he has left.

Another option for a big:

Read on Twitter

Although Muscala isn't going to be our Embiid killer.

[Yeezus_]

Don't get the obsession with Poeltl. He adds a win or two but doesn't move the needle whatsoever.

Disagree. At this point, any above average NBA player that can play significant rotation minutes will be a huge upgrade, particularly at center. just the minutes relief for big 3 will be consequential.

In addition, Poeltl is a considerable upgrade to khem birch. He is young, and excellent at rotations, and playing defense. He would have likely gotten better at SA with Pop and Tim duncan lurking around. So hell ya, I would want him back!

He's also a great passer.

[Jcity08]

Im guessing Dragic will have to be addressed in the process.

[HomieOmey]

Don't get the obsession with Poeltl. He adds a win or two but doesn't move the needle whatsoever.

Speaking for myself...i remember gow amazibg the chemistry was between poetl and siakam. Wicked big to big actions. So imo there's potential for both him and siakam to make each other better than they are currently perceived.

The problem with getting him: we have the worst bench in the league and Center happens to ve the only position we have depth at. If we DO get poetl (i doubt there's any substance to it)....one would think we HAVE trade either precious or birch for a backup guard player. Doesn't make sense to have 3 centers and literally 0 bench guys capable of playing in the backcourt.

I think a deal for Poeltl makes a lot of sense for the Raps. Addresses a need for a starting C that has probably been the most glaring need in their starting line-up. It also allows the remaining core players to settle into more appropriate roles.

I think a deal of Achiuwa and Boucher (plus maybe a 2 round draft pick) for Poeltl makes sense for both sides. Poeltl doesn't move the needle enough for SAS to invest in him, especially since he will be 28 at the start of his new deal (SAS is finally committing to the rebuild). But his age fits perfectly with where the Raps are at with their core.

I agree with the two of you about Jakob. A young-ish starting center who plays def and has proven on and off the court chemistry with Siakam is a great idea. Makes so much sense to me.

I understand the frustration with the "obsession" with a guy like him who might not "move the needle" too, but you don't always get to move at the speed you want to. Finding more of a long term fit than Boucher while keeping our star players happy is a great first step. Trading for him would still leave us in need of a lot elsewhere, so I wouldn't "give up the farm" to get him. We still 100% would need to build up our guard play/shooting in the short and long term, but I'm not overpaying for options like Lavert or Clarkson yet.