Toronto Raptors Linked To Trade For Intriguing Young Center

The Toronto Raptors could afford to roll with a bit of a youth movement up front heading into the 2024-25 NBA season, especially considering that Jakob Poeltl (28) and Kelly Olynyk (33) are getting significant minutes.

That means the Raptors may want to pursue a young big man to put alongside of Scottie Barnes, and Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz has identified a potential trade candidate: Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton.

Claxton is coming off of a 2023-24 campaign in which he played 71 games and averaged 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks over 29.8 minutes a night while shooting 62.9 percent from the floor.

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The 25-year-old re-signed with the Nets on a four-year, $100 million deal earlier this offseason, so they may not have any interest in moving him at the moment.

However, if for some reason Claxton becomes available, he would certainly represent a brilliant addition to a Raptors frontline that could absolutely use a shot blocker.

How is the Toronto Raptors’ rebuild going?

Toronto became accustomed to contending in the Eastern Conference, but the franchise has fallen on hard times the past couple of years.

That being said, the Raptors are building a solid young nucleus that features Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Gradey Dick. If they are able to throw a player like Claxton into the mix, they could really have something moving forward.

Of course, Toronto still has a long way to go.

NBA RUMORS & NEWS: Toronto Raptors Updates

The Raptors need to add another scorer, and we have to see if Barrett continues his torrid pace after being acquired from the New York Knicks last winter.

Swinging a deal for Claxton would be a good start, as it would help significantly improve a Toronto Raptors defense that ranked just 26th in the NBA last season.

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