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

Jan 2, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes (10) grabs a rebound against Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher (25) Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes (10) grabs a rebound against Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher (25) Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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Marvin Bagley III, Toronto Raptors
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 26: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

3. Marvin Bagley III, Sacramento Kings

At this point, it’s fair to assume that Bagley is never going to play like a No. 2 pick. Even with his future with the Kings looking bleak, Bagley is still as good of an athlete for someone his size as you’ll see, and his next destination could end up finally unlocking the potential that Sacramento failed to coax out of him.

It’s all but a certainty that Bagley will not end the season in Sacramento, as the Kings held him out of their opening night rotation and provoked a strong statement from his agent. Averaging 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game between the ages of 19 and 21 in a chaotic environment is impressive, and the Raptors could benefit from his offensive talents.

Could the Toronto Raptors get the most out of Marvin Bagley III?

Bagley is probably not going to be a good defender at any point in his career, but Toronto could help him at least become serviceable in this area. On offense, his 3-point shot improved last year, and the fact that he can still attack the basket off the dribble at his size is the kind of thing the positionless Raptors would love.

Bagley may not be a dominant offensive player, but he’s proven to be at worst a slightly above-average scorer, and with better coaching around him, Bagley could be a solid addition to the frontcourt, all while not giving up tons of premium draft capital.