Raptors: 3 Aron Baynes replacements Toronto could acquire at a discount

By Ben Fisher | Feb 19, 2021

PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 13: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Portland Trail Blazers works against Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors in the third quarter at Moda Center on November 13, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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JaVale McGee has matured and still might have something left. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

No. 2: JaVale McGee

All the buzz about Andre Drummond was fun for a while and made for some interesting trade scenarios, but it never felt like there was a workable trade available that didn’t rob Toronto of much of their depth. While the phone lines are open between Webster and Cleveland Cavaliers GM Koby Altman, maybe the name of another Cavs big man could be floated.

To many, McGee is simply a series of ‘Shaqtin’ A Fool’ highlights, but the bulk of his comical miscues came during his early years in Washington and Denver. Now, the 33-year-old may lack the athleticism that helped him become an elite rim protector in his 20’s, but he remains active on the glass and an easy target for high percentage scoring opportunities at the rim.

McGee can rebound and protect the rim for the Raptors

McGee’s 15.5 minutes of floor time per game make for a small sample size, but he has been productive in those minutes. His per 36 minute numbers of 17.8 points and 12.9 rebounds represent a significant improvement from Baynes (10.6 and 10.3).

Furthermore, his $4.2 million contract is far more digestible and matchable than the $28.75 million owed to Drummond this year, which means you could add McGee while still keeping Norm Powell. McGee could be an instant upgrade over Baynes while giving the Raptors another veteran with playoff experience.