The Raptors weren’t in the running for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but were still waiting for the two-time MVP to find a new home so they could swoop in and target another Milwaukee Bucks veteran: Myles Turner.
Raptors reporter Michael Grange reported before Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Heat that “A couple of league sources have suggested that the Raptors could be interested in Bucks centre Myles Turner if the Bucks go into fire-sale mode after a potential Antetokounmpo trade.”
The interest in Turner makes perfect sense for the Raptors. He can space the floor on offense and protect the rim on the other end of the floor. He averages 36.5% shooting from deep and 2.1 blocks per game for his career. Even after a down first season with the Bucks, Turner fits the blueprint of a center that could be a great fit next to Scottie Barnes. Bigs who can reliably make 3-pointers and rack up blocks aren’t easy to come by, either.
Moreover, there was a chance that the Bucks would be open to taking on Jakob Poeltl’s humongous contract amid their rebuild in exchange for some draft capital. While costly, it would have allowed the Raptors to move on from one of their worst contracts and add some fresh energy to the frontcourt.
That dream may already be over, however. Recent intel suggests that the Bucks may not be as eager to move on from Turner as many had hoped and/or expected.
The Stein Line reported on June 27, “Sources say that the Bucks have indeed received some trade interest in veteran center Myles Turner in the wake of the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster, but one league source asserted Friday night that Milwaukee is not actively engaged in moving him.”
If Turner isn’t available, he would join a growing list of potential trade targets the Raptors missed out on.
The Raptors already struck out on a few interesting players
The Raptors want to be opportunistic on the trade market this offseason, which Bobby Webster reiterated in a media availability after the first round of the draft. However, so far, they have been quiet, striking out on a few interesting targets already.
The Raptors were reportedly in the running for Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, who could have jump-started their struggling offense, but he ended up in Minnesota to team up with Anthony Edwards instead.
Moreover, the Raptors watched the Chicago Bulls get Nic Claxton for basically nothing and saw Isaiah Joe traded to the Detroit Pistons for two second-round picks. The Raptors have been looking for a center upgrade and desperately need 3-point shooters. So, while there were no official reports that the Raptors were interested in either player, seeing other teams get them for few assets still hurts.
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