NBA Rumors: The 2 centers that the Raptors have on their radar to bolster their interior game
The Toronto franchise is one of the best positioned in the Eastern Conference and they want to add Goga Bitadze or Day'Ron Sharpe for the paint.
The Toronto Raptors approach the upcoming trade deadline with the intention of being key players. According to journalist Michael Grange, he has identified the immediate goals of the franchise and the working context of their general manager, Bobby Webster.
Webster is at the center of the discussion. The executive is in the final year of his contract, and as per several league sources cited by Grange, he is exploring ambitious moves to accelerate the Raptors' sports project. Recently, the Canadian franchise has been linked with top-tier names like Anthony Davis and Ja Morant, in addition to the previous failed attempt with Trae Young.
Grange states that two NBA insiders have recently mentioned to him that Webster is in his final contract year, which has led him to explore substantial operations. One of them was even more explicit: "I've heard on several occasions that they feel some pressure to win. They are interested in a significant move because they feel the heat to justify their positions."
However, Grange emphasizes that discussions are expected to intensify in the coming weeks for a possible multi-year extension for Webster with the Raptors.
Cleaning Up the Bench
Meanwhile, the team's immediate focus is on parting ways with Ochai Agbaji. The bench player's contract ends this summer, earning $6.4 million, a sum that has not translated into significant on-court returns this season. Moving Agbaji would also allow Toronto to fall below the luxury tax threshold.
Regarding potential additions, Grange notes that the franchise has its sights set on two affordable centers before the trade deadline: Goga Bitadze from the Orlando Magic, and Day’Ron Sharpe from the Brooklyn Nets.
Standing at 2.11 meters, Bitadze excels as a shot-blocker and physical rebounder. He is effective in the pick-and-roll, reliable near the basket, and reputed for his high basketball IQ. Just a couple of weeks ago, the 26-year-old Georgian had a stellar performance against Toronto with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. Bitadze has one more season on his contract with a value of $7.6 million.
The other name in the Raptors' radar is Day’Ron Sharpe. He is another athletic center, strong in offensive rebounds and efficient finishing near the basket. This season, he has shown improvement in playmaking and facilitating for his teammates, averaging 2.4 assists, along with 6.3 rebounds and 7.9 points in less than 18 minutes per game. Defensively, he brings physical presence in the paint.
At only 24 years old, Sharpe has a team option for the next season valued at $6.25 million, considered a reasonable figure in the current market.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: Los 2 pívots que tienen los Raptors en el radar para apuntalar su juego interior
