The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans are facing different challenges at the center position. Finding a reliable, cost-effective solution could dramatically impact their success this season. One name stands out as a potential target for these teams: Goga Bitadze. Recently re-signed by the Orlando Magic to a three-year, $25 million deal, Bitadze brings elite defensive skills and growing offensive potential. Despite being under the radar, Goga Bitadze could be the ideal center trade target for any of these three franchises.
‘Cheap’ Center Trade Target: Goga Bitadze for Knicks, Lakers, Pelicans
Defensive Impact: Elite in Drop Coverage
Since joining the Magic, Bitadze has transformed into a defensive force. According to bball-index.com, he had a LEBRON stat score of 1.71 for the 2023-24 season, second only to Franz Wagner on the Magic. His strength lies in drop coverage, an area where his 6-foot-11 frame and solid timing shine. Drop coverage focuses on defending the paint and deterring drives to the basket, and Bitadze excels in this role.
During his time with Orlando, Bitadze has proven to be an asset in defending mid-range shots and close-range attempts. His ability to conserve energy while positioning himself to contest shots has improved the Magic’s defense considerably. Stats from Cleaningtheglass.com show that Orlando allowed 7.5 fewer points per 100 possessions when Bitadze was on the floor during the 2022-23 season. His presence in the paint could stabilize any team’s interior defense, making him a great trade target. His block percentage of 6.8% is in the 97th percentile for the 2024-25 season. This means that Goga blocks 6.8% of all shot attempts against him. That translated to an average of 1.3 blocks per game, which put him among the top 20 in the NBA.
Improving the Glass Game
Another key area where Goga thrives is rebounding. He ranks in the top 30 in offensive rebounds (2.5) among NBA big men during the 2024-25 season . His size and strength allow him to effectively crash the glass, giving his team second-chance opportunities. While his finishing after offensive rebounds remains inconsistent, Bitadze’s presence ensures more possessions, which is invaluable for teams like the Lakers who struggled with offensive rebounding during the 2023-24 season. It fits with the rebound-obsessed philosophy of the Knicks.
Growing Offensive Potential
Offensively, Bitadze has also seen substantial growth since joining the Magic. Simplifying his game has worked wonders. In Indiana, Bitadze was often forced into an uncomfortable role as a three-point shooter, despite his inefficiency from deep. His transition to the Magic changed that. Now, only 10.0% of his shots come from beyond 10 feet, as opposed to 46.9% in Indiana. This change has helped Bitadze become more efficient as a roll man in pick-and-roll sets.
NBA.com credits him with 1.45 points per possession as a roll man, fourth-highest in the NBA. His ability to finish through contact and catch lobs makes him a great fit for teams with dynamic ball handlers like the Lakers’ LeBron James, or the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, or the Pelicans’ Dejounte Murray. Infact, the Magic are 10.7 points per 100 possessions better offensively with him on the court. That puts Bitadze in the 91st percentile among players.
Playmaking and Versatility
While not an elite playmaker, Bitadze shows flashes of solid decision-making in dribble handoff (DHO) actions. This skill is especially valuable in five-out offenses where spacing is key, like those run ubiquitously across the league. His passing from the high post creates open shots for perimeter shooters and keeps the offense flowing.
Bitadze’s physicality also makes him an effective screener, helping dislodge defenders and create lanes for his teammates. This ability is critical in modern NBA offenses, which rely heavily on screen-and-roll and dribble handoff actions.
Goga Bitadze is a Great Value Center
Bitadze may not have the flash of a star center, but his defensive prowess, rebounding ability, and growing offensive role make him a great value center trade target. For the Lakers, Knicks, and Pelicans, all of whom need help at the center position, Bitadze offers an affordable, impactful solution. Afterall, his cap hit for this season is just $9.05 million. For franchises looking to improve their frontcourt depth and defensive versatility, Goga Bitadze is an ideal target for a center trade.
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