The Toronto Raptors are looking to build on the momentum from a successful season. Not many preseason predictions had the Raptors finishing as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, and not many pre-playoff predictions had them pushing the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games. Toronto continually defied expectations.
Despite accomplishing more than most thought possible, the team’s holes were exposed in the postseason. Toronto struggled to find consistent offense because of its lack of reliable shooters and shot creators. Brandon Ingram’s struggles only exacerbated those concerns.
Another issue was the production Toronto got from the center position. Jakob Poeltl was ineffective for most of the series. He was benched in the second half of Game 2 and had a short leash for the rest of the series. More consistent production from Poeltl may have changed the outcome.
Milwaukee Bucks starting center Myles Turner would have helped Toronto tremendously. If the Bucks decide to blow up their core this offseason, the Raptors should absolutely consider making a trade for Turner.
How would Myles Turner help Toronto?
Turner is an extremely effective outside shooter for a center. In 71 games this season, he shot 38.3 percent from three on 5.4 attempts per game. No other center in the league matched that combination of volume and efficiency from behind the arc.
His shooting alone would give Toronto’s offense much more room to breathe, but he is also one of the better shot blockers in the league. He finished 11th in blocks per game this season and has previously led the league in blocks twice. Having a starting center who can shoot the ball and provide consistent rim protection would be a huge boost for Toronto.
Why would Milwaukee trade Turner?
Milwaukee is one of the most difficult teams to predict heading into the offseason. If the Bucks decide to keep building around Giannis Antetokounmpo, they will almost certainly look to add more veteran players, not trade them away.
Any potential Turner trade is most likely predicated on the Bucks deciding to trade their franchise icon. If that happens, Milwaukee would likely shift into a rebuild and look to move veterans like Turner.
The Jakob Poeltl problem
The final matter complicating things is Poeltl’s contract. He currently has approximately four years and $104 million left on his deal. If Toronto trades for a player like Turner and Poeltl becomes a backup, that is a crippling amount of money to have on the team’s salary cap.
Any trade for a starting center would likely need to include moving Poeltl. Finding a taker for his albatross contract is the difficult part.
Despite the potential roadblocks in acquiring Turner, Toronto should explore the possibility. If the Raptors can find an acceptable trade, they would immediately address some of their most pressing concerns.
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