With the NBA Draft lottery just around the corner, the Toronto Raptors are inching closer to solidifying their offseason strategy.
The need for a frontcourt upgrade has been well-documented, and Toronto’s draft position could play a key role in addressing that. In past discussions, a contingency plan was considered in the event the Raptors miss out on Duke’s athletic shot-blocker Khaman Maluach. If that happens, Toronto could pivot to selecting a scoring guard—potentially Duke’s Kon Knueppel or Texas standout Tre Johnson.
For now, all eyes are on the lottery results. Until then, the Raptors—and their fans—will have to wait and see how the ping pong balls bounce on Monday.
No matter who Toronto selects, a trade remains a possibility, particularly given the team’s proximity to the luxury tax threshold. If the front office remains focused on bolstering the center position, a sign-and-trade for restricted free agent Santi Aldama of the Memphis Grizzlies could be a creative move—especially considering his past connection with Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic. Free agency is another avenue, though Toronto typically avoids chasing marquee names. With players like Myles Turner and Naz Reid likely staying put, and veterans like Brook Lopez and Steven Adams not aligning with the team’s youth movement, the draft still appears to be the best path forward.
Ideally, the Raptors land a young center—whether it’s Maluach or someone like Queen—who can develop behind Jakob Poeltl. But if they prioritize a shot-creating guard instead, they’ll still need to find a way to shore up the frontcourt to stay competitive.
4 backup center options for the Raptors to consider
Atlanta Hawks | Clint Capela
Let’s begin with Clint Capela, who is expected to command the highest salary among the available options. Following a disappointing season with the Atlanta Hawks, where his performance declined across nearly every statistical category and he lost his starting role to Onyeka Okongwu, Capela is likely aiming for a contract in the \$14 million range, per basketball-reference.com.
Given Toronto’s current rotation, Capela would likely come off the bench, making this an unlikely fit. He’s expected to prioritize joining a team that can offer him a starting role.
This situation already seems tailor-made for the Lakers, but if the Raptors were somehow able to land him, Capela would bring the shot-blocking and rebounding they desperately need. Plus, in case Jakob Poeltl were to miss time, Capela could seamlessly fill in as the starter.
Los Angeles Lakers | Jaxson Hayes
Sticking with the Lakers, Jaxson Hayes could be a potential backup option for the Raptors to consider.
While it’s somewhat alarming that he was entirely left out of L.A.’s playoff rotation, that decision by head coach JJ Redick raised some eyebrows. Hayes remains a valuable asset in pick-and-roll situations, and his 7-foot-3 wingspan gives him strong shot-blocking potential—he averaged just under one block per game last season, which would be a welcome boost to Toronto’s interior defense.
Boston Celtics | Luke Kornet
As we move further down the list, the options become less exciting.
That said, Luke Kornet has established a valuable role with the reigning champion Celtics. He recorded career highs in rebounds and assists this past season, likely thanks to increased playing time.
While Kornet doesn’t offer the high-level rim protection or dominant rebounding the Raptors are targeting, he is an efficient shooter, boasting a .668 effective field goal percentage. At a veteran minimum salary of just over \$2 million, Kornet could be a smart, budget-friendly addition to bolster Toronto’s frontcourt depth.
Detroit Pistons | Paul Reed
Paul Reed is another budget-friendly option who could pair well with Jonathan Mogbo off the bench.
Raptors fans are already somewhat familiar with Reed from his stint with the 76ers, though his minutes took a dip after he was traded to Detroit. Still, he logged some valuable bench minutes in the Pistons’ series against the Knicks and has consistently shown high-energy rebounding on both ends of the floor.
With some shot-blocking potential as well, Reed brings solid value as a free agent. While he’s more of a hybrid forward/center, the 6-foot-9 DePaul alum could be a good fit for Toronto’s rotation.