Raptors rumors: 3 quality young big men to watch in trade talks

Masai Ujiri and the Toronto Raptors completed their mission to create a roster as positionless as any in the league, as they don’t have a single player on the roster that is taller than 6-9. Still, that directive coupled with a year that Ujiri himself described as one that will be full of growing pains hasn’t been enough to quell the Raptors trade rumors.

While Khem Birch provides a solid veteran presence on this roster, and Precious Achiuwa is a toolsy piece that is worth developing, but there are still questions abound about their long-term outlook at the center position. Will Ujiri try to add one taller rim protector before everything is said and done?

The Raptors could look to take on big men no matter where they are in the standings. If they bottom out, they could roll the dice on some promising athletic toolboxes. If they’re near the postseason, they could add some rim protection for the playoff run.

The Raptors need to keep their eyes peeled on the trade market, as one of these young bigs could be on the market. If Ujiri is in a gambling mood, he could part with some assets in the name of getting taller and younger, one of these three players could end up coming to Toronto.

Toronto Raptors trade rumors: 3 young big men Masai Ujiri could acquire.

1. Jaxson Hayes, New Orleans Pelicans

We’ve been supporters of adding Hayes for a while, and considering that he may never truly get a fair shake in New Orleans, he could be guaranteed some extra playing time in Toronto. Hayes has averaged 7.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game during his first two seasons and change with the Pelicans.

With former Raptors center Jonas Valaciunas starting in the frontcourt and a soon-to-be Zion Williamson doing his thing in the paint, Hayes probably is not going to get a second contract with the Pelicans. A solid interior rim protector despite the low block numbers, Hayes could provide stability in the post.

Jaxson Hayes would give the Toronto Raptors a rim protector.

Hayes made the Pelicans defense much better when he was on the floor as compared to when he was off, and while he isn’t an offensive threat outside of the paint, rim protection is one of the biggest issues on this team. Toronto could slowly bring Hayes along on offense while patching a huge hole in this squad’s hull thanks to his defense.

Hayes wouldn’t cost a ton in terms of assets, as his production could help Toronto buy low on an athletic project who has had three coaches in three seasons get some form of consistency in his career. Finishing inside has been less than ideal so far this year, and Jayes could help in that regard.