This Raptors trade target may be a better fit than Jakob Poeltl

The Toronto Raptors will likely make some move of note in the next few months, as the club’s 2-7 record in the last nine games is a painful illustration of how the roster has stagnated. Home wins against the Kings and Nets were choked away in brutal fashion.

The Raptors’ two biggest issues are a lack of rim protection outside of Christian Koloko and poor shooting from their perimeter players. In an attempt to solve these problems, the Raptors have reportedly tried to engage the San Antonio Spurs on a Jakob Poeltl trade.

While Poeltl would be a huge help under the basket, paying top dollar for a center that is not going to be a shooter may not be the best way to improve this offense. Luckily, there might be a player who can block shots and help the Raptors be a more complete offensive team.

The Orlando Magic might be interested in parting with Mo Bamba due to their current frontcourt performing well, pushing the former Texas star to the bench in the process. While this isn’t the first time Bamba has been mentioned in Raptors rumors, these rumors may have more fire behind them this time around.

Toronto Raptors trade rumors: Mo Bamba could be a nice fit.

Paolo Banchero is playing like the undisputed Rookie of the Year, while Wendell Carter Jr. is putting up some very impressive numbers and Bol Bol has finally proven he can hold down a rotation spot in the NBA. This makes Bamba expendable, which Toronto could pounce on.

Bamba, who signed a two-year, $20 million deal with Orlando this offseason, has seen his numbers dip to 8.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. However, he’s scoring more and averaging just one fewer rebound per game when those numbers are extrapolated out to 36 minutes. He’ll get more opportunities to shine in Toronto.

Where Bamba exceeds Poeltl is his shooting, as he has made 38% of his 3-point attempts in the last two seasons. After missing out on him in the early stages of free agency, Toronto might get one last chance to recruit him to their cause if Orlando is in a selling mood.

Bamba, unlike Poeltl, may be able to be acquired without surrendering a first-round pick. Some draft capital will need to be exchanged to entice a young Orlando team into getting a deal done, but Ujiri is a skilled enough negotiator to get a deal done without shooting himself in the foot.