The Toronto Raptors are in the market for a new center that can make their bench even better. Khem Birch was picked up last year after an underwhelming stint with the Orlando Magic. However, the Montreal native took a significant step in the wrong direction during Toronto’s resurgent season.
Birch earned himself a three-year contract on the back of a tremendous season in the Tampa bubble last season, but he only averaged 4.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in 2021-22. Injuries beset him, but that’s no excuse for him to fall off in such an alarming fashion.
Birch will not be a desirable piece by himself, but he may not be completely bereft of value. The league will always have a spot for veteran glue guys that can crash the boards when required, and that could help a prospective Raptors trade partner warm up to the idea of taking him on.
These three teams might be intrigued enough by the experienced blend of skills that Birch brings to the table. Birch’s Tampa season might be an anomaly and a product of the unique environment, but he could still give an NBA team valuable minutes while the Raptors get someone in return.
3 trade destinations for Khem Birch.
3. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are not only starting an extensive makeover, but they’re completely undoing the frontcourt that brought them so much success over the years. Domantas Sabonis is in Sacramento, Myles Turner is in the rumor mill, and Jalen Smith is heading into free agency after a solid season.
The Pacers will be a young team that will lean on Tyrese Haliburton and whomever they select with their top pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Having a veteran like Birch that has been around the block once or twice could be an excellent addition to a rebuilding squad.
The Indiana Pacers could bring on Khem Birch.
If Birch heads the other way in a Turner deal, he could land somewhere with ample opportunity to get back on track. He’ll get minutes and some offensive responsibility, which is something that Toronto is not going to offer him, thanks to the rise of Precious Achiuwa.
Birch was terrible last year. We’re not trying to look at last year through rose-colored lenses. However, it was a very tough situation for him personally considering how he was in and out of the lineup. Birch could rediscover himself by playing on an Indiana team that needs a wily vet.
2. Utah Jazz
The Raptors would have to gut most of their future assets to acquire Rudy Gobert in a trade, but Birch could still be thrown into a package to sweeten the deal. If Quin Snyder stays in Utah, the culture that has turned many big men into quality back-ups could help fix Birch.
Snyder has his faults as a coach, but he’s helped Utah be one of the best teams in the league at defending the rim for years on end. Even struggling centers like Hassan Whiteside have chosen to head down to Utah to get their careers back on the right track.
Can the Jazz fix Toronto Raptors big Khem Birch?
If the Jazz decide to keep Mitchell and trade Gobert for a package that includes Birch, there is a nonzero chance that he ends up as the starter if he wins a competition with Udoka Azubuike. Birch would get a much more expansive role than being the third or fourth center on the Raptors.
At his best, Birch can be a reliable glass-crasher. Even during some of his tough stints with Toronto, he remained one of the best offensive rebounders on the team. Birch could be part of the solution when it comes to replacing Gobert, even if Utah will need much more than just one down-on-his-luck Canadian center.
1. Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers claim that they are looking to build a winner around Damian Lillard and restricted free agent Anfernee Simons, but they need to come to terms with reality and realize that this team needs to turn the page. This could mean parting ways with players like Jusuf Nurkic in free agency.
Let’s say that Nurkic was to be moved to Toronto in a sign-and-trade. Could Birch be on his way to the Pacific Northwest? Very few teams in this league need height and interior defense more than Portland does, so Birch could end up getting back on his feet in Oregon.
Will the Trail Blazers get Khem Birch from the Toronto Raptors?
While Drew Eubanks (who was a Raptor for a few hours) breathed some life into this frontcourt, banking on him sustaining that production could come back to bite them in the butt in a reasonably significant fashion. Birch gives them more short-term protection while looking for a long-term solution.
Birch might not be what he was in Tampa, but I find it hard to believe that he’s as bad as he was last year with the Raptors. Some guys just need a fresh start, and Portland will at least guarantee him shot attempts.