[Smith] No Raptors Trade Imminent - Could Wait Until End Of Summer League To Find Backup Center

[TimeForChange]

The Raptors don’t have a ton of money (their salary commitments are above the NBA tax level, but below the first apron that would cut slightly into the moves they can make) and they’re just about out of roster spots.

With Temple back on a one-year deal that will pay him about $3.6 million (U.S.), Toronto has 12 players on fully guaranteed contracts (including Wednesday’s No. 9 draft pick Collin Murray-Boyles) and has to decide what to do with second-round pick Alijah Martin.

They have non-guaranteed contracts in place with Jamison Battle, A.J. Lawson and Colin Castleton, plus two-way deals with Ulrich Chomche, Jared Rhoden and Chucky Hepburn, an undrafted guard signed after the draft ended Thursday night.

The dozen guarantees: Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Jamal Shead, Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick, Jonathan Mogbo, Ja’Kobe Walter, Ingram, Murray-Boyles and Temple.

That’s 19 players under consideration already. Teams can have 15 full roster spots and three players on two-way deals.

There is one need remaining: The Raptors have not yet settled on a backup to Poeltl at centre. But it’s not a huge issue right now, and the front office could very well wait until after next month’s Summer League season to see which low-salary players look enticing.

Of course, the chance of a major trade disrupting the status quo exists, but NBA sources said Sunday that nothing seems imminent.

other tidbits:

What it also means is that the Raptors are almost certain to cut ties with Chris Boucher, the team’s longest serving player and the only holdover from the 2019 NBA championship team.

The decision to bring back Temple was a no-brainer. The 39-year-old who will be entering his 16th NBA season has shown that not only can he play when called upon, but that his leadership in the locker room has been invaluable in two seasons as a Raptor. And it resonates far more as a player than if he’d become an assistant coach because the dynamic is just different.

https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/why-the-raptors-aren-t-major-players-in-nba-free-agency/article_1bafaf5c-81e0-4a77-8fb5-0a43d446ea12.html

[DemHeavyHands]

Is this Dough smith?

So basically we can expect a trade in the next few days

[Westside Gunn]

WOJ BOMB: Raptors discussing deal involving Quickley, Murray Boyles and a future 2nd for yo momma whos the big body the Raptors need

[ishoy123]

Good tidbit on paying Temple as a player vs assistant coach

"The 39-year-old who will be entering his 16th NBA season has shown that not only can he play when called upon, but that his leadership in the locker room has been invaluable in two seasons as a Raptor. And it resonates far more as a player than if he’d become an assistant coach because the dynamic is just different."

[OakleyDokely]

I'm not really concerned about this. I want to see Barnes, CBM, and Mogbo playing minutes at C in smaller, more athletic lineups. We actually need to learn what lineups work and which ones don't.

If we can flip RJ for someone who can actually play, that makes sense. But I really don't want a minimum signing playing over our main guys.

If Poeltl gets.hurt long term, that would suck. But most teams can't absorb losing their starting C for long stretches either. Most teams just aren't investing in 2 traditional Cs, which is why many of the successful teams have players who can play multiple positions on the floor. OKC is great at this. Many of their guys are able to guard up despite a lack of size in many of their lineups.

[GLF]

Wait isn’t it Grange who is usually the one who you can’t trust and not Doug? Lol. I can never remember. It’s probably both to be honest. But the only reason why I believe Doug with this one is because we don’t have the money to sign anything more than a player at the minimum. Of course a trade could present itself, but I think once we kept our draft picks the hopes of that happening pretty much died.

Raptors probably shopped RJ and IQ to see what they could get and they probably didn’t like any of the offers. The reality is if most of y’all hate RJ’s game the way you do other teams probably aren’t going to offer up much for him. And we aren’t desperate to trade him because he’s still signed for 2 more years. Trading him just to trade him when we haven’t even seen this version of the Raptors play together yet doesn’t make sense.

They probably trade him at the deadline if anything because by then we will know exactly what we need on this team.

[tsherkin]

I'm not really concerned about this. I want to see Barnes, CBM, and Mogbo playing minutes at C in smaller, more athletic lineups. We actually need to learn what lineups work and which ones don't.

I don't love the idea of Barnes at the 5 for various reasons. The other guys, we need to at least try. And we likely aren't going to find a conventionally-sized center who has the tools we want, so it's likely going to be some flier or someone like our end-season 10-days fleshing out the roster. We'll probably just deal with being a donut team and hope to shore things up elsewhere, I'd imagine.

And as you say, a minimum signing playing over our guys probably doesn't make a lot of sense. You get what you pay for, after all. Like, it would be awesome to have a Hartenstein-level player... but that's a starter, not a backup. We just need someone to eat bench minutes and back up Yak. We aren't chasing a title this year, so we don't have to be perfect.

[Raptorfan2012]

Trades are rarely imminent; they just happen in most cases. Most reported trades are actually already dead and its usually just one party trying to drum up interest after the fact.

[TimeForChange]

If the raptors are going to make a smaller move, I think they move Ochai.

He's expiring on a reasonable contract and has value around the league. I can't see the Raptors being able to pay him unless they trade RJ and/or IQ

[redraptor77]

Is this Dough smith?

So basically we can expect a trade in the next few days

lol exactly what I was going to say
Blockbuster trade today

[Bull-E]

I'm not really concerned about this. I want to see Barnes, CBM, and Mogbo playing minutes at C in smaller, more athletic lineups. We actually need to learn what lineups work and which ones don't.

If we can flip RJ for someone who can actually play, that makes sense. But I really don't want a minimum signing playing over our main guys.

If Poeltl gets.hurt long term, that would suck. But most teams can't absorb losing their starting C for long stretches either. Most teams just aren't investing in 2 traditional Cs, which is why many of the successful teams have players who can play multiple positions on the floor. OKC is great at this. Many of their guys are able to guard up despite a lack of size in many of their lineups.

The need to have a Poeltl contingency plan is more imperative this season than previous ones. We already have ample evidence that if he goes down, so does the chances of winning. In a season where we want to compete it would be irresponsible to not have a solid secondary option.

I agree we currently have a few guys who can provide spot minutes and lineup versatility. But a 2nd legit big is an absolute must.

[WuTang_CMB]

keep poeltl healthy

[GLF]

I'm not really concerned about this. I want to see Barnes, CBM, and Mogbo playing minutes at C in smaller, more athletic lineups. We actually need to learn what lineups work and which ones don't.

I don't love the idea of Barnes at the 5 for various reasons. The other guys, we need to at least try. And we likely aren't going to find a conventionally-sized center who has the tools we want, so it's likely going to be some flier or someone like our end-season 10-days fleshing out the roster. We'll probably just deal with being a donut team and hope to shore things up elsewhere, I'd imagine.

And as you say, a minimum signing playing over our guys probably doesn't make a lot of sense. You get what you pay for, after all. Like, it would be awesome to have a Hartenstein-level player... but that's a starter, not a backup. We just need someone to eat bench minutes and back up Yak. We aren't chasing a title this year, so we don't have to be perfect.

Agreed. Mogbo I don’t really want to see at C because to me that clearly did not work last season. Our rebounding went to **** when he played C mainly because he’s too undersized and we played a switch heavy defence with him on the floor. He was great at the switch defence but it made us susceptible to offensive rebounds by the other team. Scottie or CMB at C is fine with me, but I would prefer us just sign a minimum guy and let him take the beating against the other team’s C. He would only have to play 10-15 mins at most anyway. Also when you look around the league most teams backup C isn’t that great and they survive. And as you said, we aren’t looking to win the championship next year so our team doesn’t have to be perfectly assembled.

[GLF]

Trades are rarely imminent; they just happen in most cases. Most reported trades are actually already dead and its usually just one party trying to drum up interest after the fact.

This is also very true. A trade could definitely happen, I too just think it’s unlikely. If teams weren’t offering anything good for RJ or IQ when we had the number 9 pick I don’t see why they would all of a sudden later in the offseason.

[tsherkin]

Agreed. Mogbo I don’t really want to see at C because to me that clearly did not work last season. Our rebounding went to **** when he played C mainly because he’s too undersized and we played a switch heavy defence with him on the floor. He was great at the switch defence but it made us susceptible to offensive rebounds by the other team. Scottie or CMB at C is fine with me, but I would prefer us just sign a minimum guy and let him take the beating against the other team’s C. He would only have to play 10-15 mins at most anyway. Also when you look around the league most teams backup C isn’t that great and they survive. And as you said, we aren’t looking to win the championship next year so our team doesn’t have to be perfectly assembled.

Mogbo is bigger than CMB, so if he's undersized for the 5 to you, then CMB should be even more of a trouble for giving up ORBs. Scottie, too. I think we just have to pick our poison a little. Mogbo's a pretty good defensive presence and he moves the ball well. If he can hit a layup, he can be a reasonable reserve for us, though he will have to improve on the defensive boards. As you say, we're only talking about 10-15 minutes to chew up anyhow.

The bigger problem with Mogbo is that our team ORTG was like 6.5 points worse with him ON the floor, so maybe that's where we lean a little further into CMB and hope that he's able to do do more with his minutes.

[GLF]

Agreed. Mogbo I don’t really want to see at C because to me that clearly did not work last season. Our rebounding went to **** when he played C mainly because he’s too undersized and we played a switch heavy defence with him on the floor. He was great at the switch defence but it made us susceptible to offensive rebounds by the other team. Scottie or CMB at C is fine with me, but I would prefer us just sign a minimum guy and let him take the beating against the other team’s C. He would only have to play 10-15 mins at most anyway. Also when you look around the league most teams backup C isn’t that great and they survive. And as you said, we aren’t looking to win the championship next year so our team doesn’t have to be perfectly assembled.

Mogbo is bigger than CMB, so if he's undersized for the 5 to you, then CMB should be even more of a trouble for giving up ORBs. Scottie, too. I think we just have to pick our poison a little. Mogbo's a pretty good defensive presence and he moves the ball well. If he can hit a layup, he can be a reasonable reserve for us, though he will have to improve on the defensive boards. As you say, we're only talking about 10-15 minutes to chew up anyhow.

The bigger problem with Mogbo is that our team ORTG was like 6.5 points worse with him ON the floor, so maybe that's where we lean a little further into CMB and hope that he's able to do do more with his minutes.

He is a bigger than CMB and Scottie height wise but not in terms of weight and strength. That is very obvious when you watch him play. Scottie and CMB are also better rim protectors than Mogbo. That’s why we always play switch defence when he comes on the floor. I think being stronger, being able to protect the rim and being a good defensive rebounder (especially when you have the wingspan that CMB and Scottie have) is more important than just be taller. That’s why I think both of them would still be the better options at C. And then as you said Mogbo’s offence almost makes him unplayable at times, Scottie and CMB are gonna give you way more on that end. I do think Mogbo will get a crack at it for sure, especially if he actually improves his finishing in the paint, but I think Scottie and CMB are gonna be much better at playing backup C than him.

[Tripod]

I am the complete opposite of the people ok with some min guy. F that!

Go get an actual GOOD backup so we don't have to have this major drop in team play when Yak sits.

Assuming our top 5 guys start...

Shead, Walter, Ochai, Dick, Battle, CMB, Mogbo are fighting for the 2nd unit. We CLEARLY have extra 2's/3's/4's....go move one for a legit backup.

Not only will it give us a better 2nd unit but someone we can start when Yak misses games....and he will miss games.

And it doesn't force guys like Barnes and CMB to take a beating vs 5's keeping them healthier.

And it thins out the middle of the lineup freeing up that logjam a bit.

Adding that C is a MUST IMO if they want to get the most out of this team.

[Duffman100]

I am the complete opposite of the people ok with some min guy. F that!

Go get an actual GOOD backup so we don't have to have this major drop in team play when Yak sits.

Assuming our top 5 guys start...

Shead, Walter, Ochai, Dick, Battle, CMB, Mogbo are fighting for the 2nd unit. We CLEARLY have extra 2's/3's/4's....go move one for a legit backup.

Not only will it give us a better 2nd unit but someone we can start when Yak misses games....and he will miss games.

And it doesn't force guys like Barnes and CMB to take a beating vs 5's keeping them healthier.

And it thins out the middle of the lineup freeing up that logjam a bit.

Adding that C is a MUST IMO if they want to get the most out of this team.

And they don't have to be a 'play every game' type of guy. If small ball is the way to go, we go small ball.

But totally agreed, we need another big body on this team.

[Dalek]

I'm not really concerned about this. I want to see Barnes, CBM, and Mogbo playing minutes at C in smaller, more athletic lineups. We actually need to learn what lineups work and which ones don't.

If we can flip RJ for someone who can actually play, that makes sense. But I really don't want a minimum signing playing over our main guys.

If Poeltl gets.hurt long term, that would suck. But most teams can't absorb losing their starting C for long stretches either. Most teams just aren't investing in 2 traditional Cs, which is why many of the successful teams have players who can play multiple positions on the floor. OKC is great at this. Many of their guys are able to guard up despite a lack of size in many of their lineups.

Considering the team fell off a cliff for the month that Poeltl was out, I just don't know about this plan. We may need a back up better than Castleton and if we wait we two weeks we end up with a Plumlee type.

I do hope for Isaiah Jackson who is restricted but I think Indy focuses on Turner and Thomas Bryant who became their folk hero. My preference would actually be Bryant, but I think we are looking at offering a vet minimum salary.

[tsherkin]

He is a bigger than CMB and Scottie height wise but not in terms of weight and strength.

Mogbo's what, 225? So yeah, CMB has 10-15 lbs on him if that weight is accurate for Mogbo. CMB is built pretty well, for sure. And obviously so is Scottie, he just doesn't wield his size particularly well, which is why I'm less excited about that prospect. Scottie at the 5 doesn't feel like a hot option because he's just not aggressive enough with his power. CMB certainly is, so we'll see what comes of that. He plays big, so I'm hoping that translates to the NBA, at both ends.

Scottie and CMB are gonna give you way more on that end. I do think Mogbo will get a crack at it for sure, especially if he actually improves his finishing in the paint, but I think Scottie and CMB are gonna be much better at playing backup C than him.

If nothing else, he's a body on the roster to soak up fouls and give us options. And maybe he can backup the 4 more than the 5 if CMB proves a capable option behind Yak. That wouldn't be awful, though again, he has offensive issues which need some remedying before we can tolerate him on the floor for any great length of time at either position whilst actively trying to win.