The Toronto Raptors have a few needs that should be addressed this offseason. One of those needs is finding a physical backup center to play behind Jakob Poeltl.
The Detroit Pistons were looking to trade the perfect option, and Toronto missed its opportunity.
In an under-the-radar move, the Pistons traded Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies for three second-round draft picks. Stewart is 25 years old, garnered Sixth Man of the Year consideration this past season, and is one of the premier backup centers in the league. He would have been perfect in Toronto.
Stewart would have been an ideal backup in Toronto
The Raptors’ most glaring hole in the playoffs was at center. Jakob Poeltl is coming off a disastrous season, averaging 10.7 points and 7.0 rebounds, but most concerningly, he consistently looked a step slow on defence. Poeltl also missed 36 games during the regular season due to various injuries.
Stewart is not a replacement for Poeltl, but he is an affordable backup who could step in if Poeltl was injured or not playing well. Stewart is considered one of the best defensive backup centers in the league. He also plays with pace and energy. Overall, his style of play would fit perfectly with Toronto’s defensive culture and up-tempo offense.
Toronto should have been willing to meet Memphis’ price
Three second-round picks to acquire a player like Stewart is a no-brainer. Memphis did really well in this trade, and Detroit was able to clear an extra $15 million in salary cap space. But Toronto should have been willing to exceed Memphis’ offer.
Toronto has control of all of its future first-round picks, and it should have been willing to part with one to acquire Isaiah Stewart. That would not have been enough for Detroit because the real benefit for the Pistons in this trade was the flexibility they gained with the added cap space.
Due to a lack of salary cap room, Toronto did not have the ability to absorb Stewart’s contract in the way that Memphis could. However, Toronto could have looked for another team to create a three-team trade.
The hypothetical third team could have taken on Gradey Dick’s contract and received a second-round pick for its troubles, the Pistons would have received a Raptors first-round pick, and Toronto would have landed Isaiah Stewart.
All this is to say that there were ways Toronto could have beaten Memphis’ offer. That would have addressed a huge need for the Raptors and given them a player who fits their long-term timeline.
Unfortunately, this front office missed an opportunity.
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