3 Toronto Raptors trade targets from the 2019 NBA Draft
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors may look to improve this team at the trade deadline, but they likely won’t make a move unless they can bring on a player that adds value to this team beyond the current 23-23 season. They would be better off rolling the dice on a young player instead of adding a veteran rental.
After trading for 2020 draft pick Precious Achiuwa last year, Toronto could get even younger if they try to bring on a few 2019 draftees. The Raptors only have one player (35-year-old Goran Dragic) over the age of 30, so the youth movement is clearly in full swing.
The Raptors still need a center that can help give the frontcourt the stability that they need, but making a trade for a backup guard would also be a prudent option. Some of these youngsters are starting to flounder, but Toronto could give them a second chance at life in the NBA.
These 3 players could help the Raptors make a push for the postseason while potentially turning into a high-upside youngster that will be with the team next year. A change of scenery could do wonders for these players.
The Toronto Raptors could trade for one of these 3 2019 draft picks.
3. C Goga Bitadze, Indiana Pacers (No. 18 overall)
Bitadze, who was picked on the fringes of the lottery, hasn’t really gotten a fair shake in Indiana. While he was picked with the expectation that he was going to take a while to develop, the presence of two stars in the Indiana frontcourt made it hard for him to get consistent minutes.
In his third season, Bitadze is still averaging 4.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in just under 11 minutes per game. At 6-11 with some strength and mobility in the post, Bitadze represents someone who would be a welcome change of pace for a short Raptors roster at center.
Toronto Raptors rumors: Goga Bitadze would be another young center.
Bitadze wouldn’t cost a ton by himself, so Toronto could end up flipping a player like Malachi Flynn over to Indiana in order to help both players get a fresh start in a new environment. Bitadze could be a very interesting throw-in if they pursue a deal for someone like Myles Turner.
While he is still raw as sashimi and not an impact defender at this point, there’s enough potential in Bitadze as an interior post presence to where he can be an upgrade over a player like Khem Birch. His height could give Toronto a dimension that they’ve lacked in a bad way this season.