Undoubtedly, the Raptors' lack of interior presence beyond Jakob Poeltl is merely one of many challenges that this young rebuilding squad must navigate.
Toronto is facing a significant challenge right now, as their once-promising displays of fighting spirit have suddenly waned. The difficulties of a losing season are beginning to take their toll not only on the core players but also on head coach Darko Rajaković.
The hardships won’t be resolved overnight, but there are essential steps that must be taken to demonstrate to the Raptors fanbase that these issues are being adequately addressed. This would provide a sense of optimism for the remainder of the season and for the future.
We're just about a month and a half away from the 2024-25 NBA trade deadline, and how the Raptors fare after that crucial date will answer many questions. However, that doesn't mean Toronto can't start scouting potential targets now. In fact, they could even finalize some deals right away if they're feeling particularly eager.
Considering the array of intriguing centers that could make an immediate impact in Toronto—not just for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, but also as key pieces for the future—three names stand out above the rest.
Let’s dive in and explore the three ideal centers who should be at the top of the Toronto Raptors’ trade targets.
Day'Ron Sharpe
First up is current Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe.
A late first-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Sharpe has primarily served as the backup center to Nic Claxton, another impressive center who would thrive on the Toronto Raptors as well. With that in mind, Sharpe hasn't quite managed to break out in an expanded role, as he has primarily been limited to approximately 15 minutes or less of playing time during his four seasons in Brooklyn.
Nevertheless, even in limited minutes, Sharpe proves to be a highly productive and impactful player in the paint, thanks to his robust 6-foot-9, 265-pound frame.
Moreover, he former Tar Heel can occasionally shoot the three-ball. While this isn't a standout aspect of his game, it's a valuable element included in his offensive arsenal. Sharpe is precisely the archetypal center that Toronto desperately needs. Recent rumors from NBA Insider Jake Fischer suggest he is on the trade market, further underscoring the Raptors' need to focus on the Brooklyn big man.
The icing on the cake in acquiring Sharpe is that he’s still relatively young at just 23 years old, with plenty of potential ahead in his NBA journey. In a hypothetical scenario, he could surpass the Raptors' veteran center, Jakob Poeltl, leading Toronto to view Sharpe as the cornerstone of their future at center.
Nick Richards
Next up is an experienced big man at 27 years old, yet still a promising center option for Toronto: Hornets' big man, Nick Richards.
A former Kentucky Wildcat, Richards heard his name called in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft, finding a home in Charlotte, where he's remained to this day. Much like Day'Ron Sharpe, Richards' NBA journey has been somewhat inconsistent, with him occasionally logging starter-like minutes while often filling a backup center role for the Hornets.
What sets Richards apart from someone like Day'Ron Sharpe is his athletic yet imposing build, standing at 7 feet tall and weighing a strong 245 pounds. Richards can jump remarkably high and dunk the ball with explosive power; however, he completely lacks a three-point shot in his game.
That being said, a dynamic big man who can catch lobs from Toronto's skilled passers and finish with authority—what Raptors fan wouldn't want to witness that?
Toronto significantly needs a sense of dynamism at the center position. While Poeltl possesses a strong skill set, he lacks the athleticism and explosiveness that set apart other centers. Nick Richards could be the missing piece in Toronto's big man puzzle and has the potential to emerge as a fan favorite.
Walker Kessler
This is the dream: envisioning current Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler wearing a Toronto Raptors jersey in the future.
Kessler was part of the Minnesota-Utah deal in 2023 that sent Rudy Gobert to the Wolves. No one anticipated that his inclusion in the trade would lead to a breakout rookie season for the former Auburn Tiger. He ultimately proved to be one of the key assets in that deal, providing the Utah Jazz with an excellent replacement for Gobert.
Kessler's impressive third-place Rookie of the Year campaign in 2023 was followed by a rocky sophomore season. While it wasn't lackluster by any means, his earlier success set high expectations, and his production appeared to stagnate, leaving fans wanting more.
As Kessler enters his third year in the NBA, he has yet to make the leap that many in the Jazz fanbase—and perhaps even Utah's front office—had anticipated. While he remains a promising young talent essential to their rebuild, his status as a primary building block for the future is now uncertain.
His name frequently emerges in trade discussions, according to NBA Insider Jake Fischer. However, the Jazz are not undervaluing him, as they have reportedly declined several offers for Kessler.
Nevertheless, his inclusion in trade discussions and Utah's interest in moving him (albeit for a reasonable offer) indicate that they are open to parting ways. Toronto's front office should seize this opportunity at all costs.
Kessler is the real deal and has the potential to become Toronto's primary big man for several years as they rebuild, possibly even playing a key role in their eventual return to the playoffs. Although he doesn't stretch the floor much and shares a playing style similar to Jakob Poeltl, he is significantly younger with tremendous upside, offering the Raptors much more than the aging Poeltl does.