Raptors Rumors: 2 Affordable Centers Top Toronto's Wish List at Trade Deadline

January 20, 2026 , ,


 The Toronto Raptors will look to be active at the trade deadline which hits in about two weeks. Beat writer Michael Grange identifies two players that are on their radar, while outlining the overall goals of GM Bobby Webster. 

Is Webster, who is in the last year of his contract, feeling pressure to win to justify his job? Is that why we've heard names like Anthony Davis and Ja Morant (plus an earlier failed attempt at Trae Young) linked to the Raptors?

Grange writes that he's had "two NBA insiders suggest to me in recent weeks that Webster is in the last year of his contract and, as a result, is scouring the market for bold moves that could accelerate the Raptors' timeline." 

He even quoted another one as saying, “I’ve heard multiple times that they are feeling some pressure to win. They are interested in a significant move because they feel some heat to justify their jobs.” 

But Grange insists that discussions on a multi-year extension for Webster with the Raptors are expected pick up in the coming weeks. 

Meantime, the team is focused on purging themselves of bench player Ochai Agbaji and his expiring $6.4-million contract, for which they've been given very little return on the court this season. Ridding them of Agbaji would get them under the luxury tax.

Which centers could the Raptors target at the trade deadline?

For acquisitions, Grange is hearing that the Raptors have two affordable centers on their radar:

Goga Bitadze of the Orlando Magic and Day’Ron Sharpe of the Brooklyn Nets. 

The 6'11" Bitadze is a strong shot-blocker and a physical rebounder. He's also a rim-roller and a reliable finisher around the basket. He's known for a strong basketball IQ. 

He had a tremendous game against the Raptors just a couple of weeks back, registering 11 points, 13 boards and seven assists. 

The 26-year-old has one more season left on his contract at a $7.6M salary.

Day'Ron Sharpe is on the Raptors radar

Sharpe is another athletic big man who is a strong offensive rebounder and finisher at the rim. He's also greatly improved his court vision and playmaking. He's up to 2.4 assists per game this season, to go with 6.3 boards and 7.9 points in less than 18 minutes a night. On the defensive end, he's a physical presence on the interior. 

Just 24, Sharpe has a club option on his deal for next season at a reasonable $6.25 million.

Photo: © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

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