Pass or Pursue on 3 centers the Toronto Raptors could trade for

1. Isaiah Hartenstein, New York Knicks

The  Knicks entered this past offseason in an interesting situation. They had a power forward in Julius Randle that thrives in a spaced-out offensive environment and a wide-open center room.

Rather than find a stretch-big the Knicks doubled down on size and traditional center skills, signing Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jericho Sims to new deals. Hartenstein isn’t getting a ton of playing time, but his numbers dating back to last year are somewhat impressive. 

The Toronto Raptors should look at Isaiah Hartenstein.

Hartenstein was the one newcomer, and he has operated as Robinson’s backup for most of the year. He has played in all 43 games this season but averaged just 18.9 minutes per game. That’s not an indictment on the coaching staff, as Robinson has played great this season, but with Sims also looking great in spot minutes and Obi Toppin needing to find minutes somewhere, this is a center rotation ripe for a move.

The Raptors should like a lot of what Hartenstein brings to the table. He has a large frame and great timing in blocking shots, is a skilled passer, and has good touch around the rim.

Hartenstein makes just $7.8 million this season and $8.2 million next year, a salary that can easily slot onto Toronto’s cap sheet. He is a great fit for the Raptors, inexpensive and likely available. He’s a center the Raptors should target in the trade market this year.

Verdict: Pursue