Is Biyombo more valuable to the Raptors than Valanciunas, and less expensive? If so, will the summer bring a big trade?
In an off-season move I thought little of at the time, Toronto Raptors President & General Manager Masai Ujiri signed free-agent centre Bismack Biyombo. The Congolese big man was expected to play perhaps ten minutes a game as Jonas Valanciunas’ backup.
Biyombo’s first four NBA seasons in Charlotte had marked him as an athlete, but not a basketball player. I’d seen some remarkable speed and leaping ability, but he’d make three bad plays (some bordering on embarrassing) for every one aggressive put-back slam dunk or blocked shot.
Since becoming a Raptor, the ratio has been flipped almost on its head. Biyombo pulls down so many power rebounds, often as the lone Rap in a scrum of opponents, we can certainly forgive his occasional missed bunny.
Biyombo has been on the floor a lot more than expected, as JV has twice suffered injuries to his left hand. Big Biz has averaged nearly 23 minutes per game, 22 of which he’s started. He’s gone on record as saying he wants to return next season, but he’d be crazy not to opt out of the second year of his contract given the performance he’s displayed in its first. He’s owed fractionally under $3 million in 2016-17, a figure he could probably triple.
Let’s assume $9 million a year for Biyombo. JV has already signed a multi-year deal, with a big raise to $14 million (rough numbers, guys). That’s $23 million for centres, at least that much to bring back DeMar DeRozan, Terrence Ross gets $10 million, DeMarre Carroll and Kyle Lowry total $26 million, 2-Pat and CoJo aren’t cheap, we’ve got kids on contract and two first-round draft picks to pay….my head is spinning as I type.
Should we consider moving JV, and installing Bismack as our starting centre next season and for many to come? I hate the idea because I like JV, but I can’t run away from it either. The problem is strictly financial. The Raptors simply can’t keep everyone we like.
If we move JV, we must take back close to his money in someone else’s salary, so you may think my argument is self-defeating. However, the trick is to swap him for a starting-quality power forward. Luis Scola is most unlikely to be back; likewise James Johnson. Sadly, their departures represent a combined $5.4 million. That’s not much of a saving, and losing those two blasts a hole in our depth chart at the 4-spot.
Backfilling with our new PF, and pushing Lucas Nogueira into the backup centre spot, repositions our depth chart successfully.
This is all terribly clever, but somewhat sterile without offering a trade proposal to fully appreciate who the Raptors might be able to get in exchange for JV. I will do that, but I’m first interested in hearing from you, Rapture Nation. How do you feel about moving JV? Can Biz do the job at the starting centre position for an entire season? Comments, please.
Brian Boake is Senior Editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.