Toronto Raptors eye Goga Bitadze in potential trade before deadline
The Toronto Raptors are strategically assessing their options as the February 5 trade deadline approaches. With the need for depth at the center position, the Raptors are eyeing Goga Bitadze of the Orlando Magic as a potential fit to bolster their roster behind Jakob Poeltl and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Goga Bitadze’s season performance
Currently, Bitadze is averaging 6.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game for the Magic. The seventh-year center from Georgia has navigated a challenging career trajectory, having been released by the Indiana Pacers before finding his footing in Orlando. Now, he is carving out a significant role for himself within the team’s rotation.
Should Bitadze join the Raptors, he would reunite with Mamukelashvili, a teammate from the Georgia national basketball team. The two players showcased their skills together during EuroBasket this past summer, a tournament that held special significance for their home country.
“It was a great thing for the country of Georgia,” Bitadze reflected on their team’s success. “Nobody has ever done that in the history of how many years that it was, like 35 years since we started competing at EuroBasket. Being able to beat Spain and France wasn’t a fluke; it was a testament to our talent.”
Bitadze expressed how the experience boosted his self-confidence, stating, “It was great for me personally. You get that extra confidence knowing you can play with the best on a national team level, as a team, and also individually as well.”
Potential trade dynamics
Bitadze’s name may soon appear on the trade block as the Magic anticipate the return of Moe Wagner from injury. If Wagner regains health, Bitadze’s playing time could significantly decrease, prompting Orlando to consider their options. While the Magic value Bitadze, they may be inclined to trade him if it means enhancing their roster.
Under contract for this season and the next, Bitadze is earning approximately $8 million annually. To entice the Magic to part with him, the Raptors would likely need to offer draft picks along with an expiring contract, potentially including Ochai Agbaji in the deal.
Navigating this trade will not be straightforward, given Bitadze’s value to Orlando. However, the Raptors are keen on exploring this opportunity to augment their depth as they work towards a successful season.
