Suggested player swap for Raptors center upgrade would leave glaring hole elsewhere

Minnesota’s early playoff exit raises questions about whether Rudy Gobert should remain part of the frontcourt rotation with Julius Randle and Naz Reid. A proposed trade would send Immanuel Quickley and draft picks to Minnesota in exchange for Gobert, using salary matching and adding a 7'1" center who averaged a double-double and 1.6 blocks. The trade would also create a major point guard problem for Toronto. Options include using Scottie Barnes as a point guard in a large lineup with RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Gobert, and Ja'Kobe Walter, but spacing would be problematic because Gobert does not shoot threes and Barnes and Barrett are not consistent outside threats. Another option is starting Jamal Shead, though spacing concerns remain.

"“He had a very good series against Nikola Jokic this spring, but I do think there are starting to be some questions in Minnesota about the viability of Rudy Gobert long-term.”"

"Clutch Points' David Yapkowitz proposed that the Raptors move Quickley, who would also be a convenient salary match, and a few draft picks for Gobert. Replacing Jakob Poeltl, who had another injury-ridden season, with a 7'1" center who averaged a double-double and 1.6 blocks per game this season is enticing, but this deal would leave the Raptors with serious questions at the point guard spot."

"They could play a massive lineup with Scottie Barnes as the point guard surrounded by RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Rudy Gobert, and Ja'Kobe Walter. Walter would be a necessity in this lineup over Collin Murray-Boyles because of his 3-point shooting. Gobert doesn't shoot threes at all, and Barnes and Barrett haven't consistently established themselves as reliable outside threats yet either. Even if Walter continues to shoot 40% from three on a high volume, this lineup would have major spacing issues."

"Elevating Jamal Shead to a starting point guard role also wouldn't help with the Raptors' spacing issues. He filled in admirably when Quickley's injury pushed him into a bigger role, but he a"

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