Raptors High On Khaman Maluach In Draft
The Toronto Raptors are high on Duke center Khaman Maluach as a prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. Toronto holds the ninth pick in the draft and is in the market for a developmental player at center.
Maluach declared for the draft after one season with the Blue Devils. In 39 games, the 7-foot-2 center averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. Maluach is currently ranked as the sixth-best player in ESPN's Top 100.
Toronto is looking for a player to develop behind Jakob Poeltl, who has two years left on his contract, with a player option for the 2026-27 season. Poeltl has also been mentioned in trade rumors, if the Raptors were to pursue deals for Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant.
If Maluach isn't available with the ninth pick, Toronto could look at other center options. That includes Derik Queen of Maryland, Thomas Sorber of Georgetown or French national Joan Beringer, who played in Slovenia last season. Those players could be available in a potential trade-back scenario for the Raptors at the draft.