The Toronto Raptors explored multiple front-court options before last week’s trade deadline but ultimately refused to meet what they viewed as inflated asking prices, general manager Bobby Webster told Sportsnet.
Toronto was linked to high-profile centers such as Anthony Davis, who ended up in Washington, and Domantas Sabonis, who remained in Sacramento. League sources cited by Sportsnet’s Michael Grange also said Brooklyn’s Day’Ron Sharpe and Orlando’s Goga Bitadze were available only at what the Raptors considered “unrealistically high” costs.
“With this group we didn’t want to chase,” Webster said. “We didn’t want to be in a situation where you felt like you were overpaying.… We just felt the prices at this point were a little high for us.”
Unreported target believed to be Walker Kessler
Webster revealed on Sportsnet 590 that the club’s primary pursuit “wasn’t even reported.” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel later noted that Toronto had made a push for Utah center Walker Kessler, whom the Jazz have shown no interest in moving. Kessler, in his fourth season, is tracking toward restricted free agency this summer, but Toronto’s limited cap space would complicate another bid.
Jackson-Davis arrives for a second-round pick
The Raptors did add size by sending a second-round choice to Golden State for Trayce Jackson-Davis, a move Webster said had been on the board for some time. After acquiring Kristaps Porziņģis, the Warriors were more willing to part with the 24-year-old, whose $2.2 million salary fit Toronto’s search parameters.
Jackson-Davis said he is “excited” about the new opportunity and credited veterans Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Chris Paul for his growth in Golden State. Head coach Darko Rajaković added that the big man “picked things up very quickly” during his first practice in Toronto.
Chris Paul to be waived; Martin a roster candidate
Paul, obtained in the cap-saving Ochai Agbaji deal, will not play for the Raptors. Webster said the 38-year-old guard will be waived when roster needs dictate. Until a 15th roster spot is required, there is no timeline for the move. Two-way guard Alijah Martin is a candidate for that eventual opening, according to Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy.
Poeltl listed as questionable for Sunday
Starting center Jakob Poeltl, sidelined since Dec. 21 with persistent back issues, practiced Saturday and is questionable for Sunday’s game. “I’m feeling better now,” Poeltl said, noting several treatment approaches were tried. The 28-year-old added that recurring trade rumors did not bother him.
Source: HoopsRumors
