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Raptors rumors: Pass or pursue for 4 trade targets

By Jason Mills

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Detroit Pistons talks to Blake Griffin #23 in the second half while playing the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena on November 25, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Detroit Pistons talks to Blake Griffin #23 in the second half while playing the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena on November 25, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Andre Drummond (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Toronto Raptors trade target No. 2: Andre Drummond

Drummond is another veteran big man, this time a true center who could help the Raptors in the post. Drummond is 6-10 and 279 pounds, meaning he would instantly provide the Raptors with size on the interior

He won’t offer the three-point shot Griffin has, which is already their go-to play in half-court sets. However, they need what Drummond provides. He’s a big who can set hard screens, roll to the basket, and catch lobs over the top for easy baskets.

Should the Raptors take a chance on the former All-Star?

He is also a player who can dominate the backboards, wherein 22 games with Cleveland, he is averaging 14.2 rebounds, with 4.1 coming on the offensive glass. His 18.6 points a game are nothing to sneeze at either. Drummond is an instant double-double machine.

After the multiplayer team deal that sent James Harden to Brooklyn, it was widely expected that Drummond was about to be traded or bought out. Drummond is in the final year of the max deal he signed in 2016 and is making $28.7 million this season.

The Raptors would be better served waiting to see if Drummond is bought out, but the Cavs seem to have no interest in doing so. Therefore the framework of a deal again involving Lowry and three first-round picks could get the Raptors a true center lost when Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol were both allowed to leave in free agency.

Solving the center issue could make the Raptors legit title contenders. If it costs a few years of draft capital to make that dream a reality, Ujiri might need to go for broke once more and consummate this trade.

Verdict: Pursue.