3 Grizzlies trade targets Darko Rajakovic could bring to Raptors

1. C Steven Adams

If the Raptors are unable to bring back Jakob Poeltl, or if they get engaged in some sign-and-trade shenanigans, Adams could come right in and fill a similar role for the Raptors. Adams might be Rajakovic’s pet project, as he helped develop him in both Memphis and Oklahoma City early in his career.

Adams averaged 11.5 rebounds per game last season, further cementing his reputation as one of the game’s best rebounders and screeners. While not at Poeltl’s level as a defender, he has proven to be more than adequate in this area against some of the best in the sport.

Can Steven Adams join the Toronto Raptors?

While Adams’ knee injury proved that Memphis was far worse off without him in the lineup, adding a big who is about to 30 with some major injury history might not necessarily be an ideal move for a team that is trying to compete for a title and build a sustainable young team.

Ultimately, Adams’ potential candidacy as a Raptors center amounts almost entirely to how comfortable Rajakovic feels with running his system without the Aquaman cosplayer. If he views Adams as an essential part of what he wants to do, Ujiri’s hand could be forced.