Breaking: Head Coach Darko Rajaković Makes Honest Admission on 5 Free Agency Targets for Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are set to embark on their first offseason dedicated to rebuilding. Under the guidance of Masai Ujiri, the team has decided to part ways with its long-standing core, signaling a new era in Raptors basketball.
This past season saw significant changes with OG Anunoby traded to the New York Knicks, bringing RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Toronto. Additionally, Raptors legend Pascal Siakam was sent to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Tyrese Haliburton. The team is now focusing on building around rising star Scottie Barnes.
With some financial maneuvering, the Raptors could free up nearly $40 million in cap space, although some cap holds may impact this figure. This potential flexibility allows the Raptors to explore a solid pool of free agents who could help re-establish the team as a contender in the Eastern Conference.
5. Gary Trent Jr.
The Raptors could retain one of their own key free agents. Gary Trent Jr. is set to enter unrestricted free agency after opting into his player option last season, worth around $18.5 million.
Despite a decline in his role and production last season, Trent Jr. remains a quality NBA player. He averaged 13.7 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 42.6% from the field and 39.3% from beyond the arc in 71 games.
Trent’s ability to score and defend makes him a valuable asset, and he could fit well in an offense built around Barnes. However, the emergence of Gradey Dick might influence the team’s decision on Trent Jr. Dick showed promise as his rookie season progressed, potentially making Trent a casualty.
Ultimately, if the two sides can agree on his role and fit, Trent Jr. could remain a Raptor next season.
4. Immanuel Quickley
After acquiring Immanuel Quickley in a trade, there’s little reason to believe he will leave the Raptors. Quickley, who joined from the Knicks in the Anunoby trade, quickly established himself as the starting point guard, showing significant improvement as a passer.
Quickley’s stats improved with the Raptors, averaging 18.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. His pairing with Barnes should be effective, especially after an offseason to develop their chemistry.
Set to hit restricted free agency, the Raptors are expected to match any offer Quickley might receive, ensuring he remains in Toronto.
3. Kyle Lowry
A reunion with franchise legend Kyle Lowry makes sense for both sides. Lowry, nearing the end of his career, would likely be an affordable acquisition. His experience and leadership could provide invaluable mentorship for the younger Raptors.
Lowry averaged 8.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season, shooting 43.2% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range. He could fill the backup point guard role, offering veteran presence and stability.
If Lowry’s priority isn’t chasing another championship, a return to Toronto would be an attractive option for both him and the team.
2. Patrick Williams
Patrick Williams, set to hit restricted free agency, could address the Raptors’ need for a wing defender. Despite concerns over his injury history and consistency, Williams offers significant upside for a young team like Toronto.
Williams averaged 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and nearly a block per game last season while shooting 44.3% from the field and 39.9% from three-point range. He could play a solid role off the bench or even start, depending on the team’s needs.
Acquiring Williams might require a sign-and-trade deal, but his potential makes him a worthwhile target.
1. Nicolas Claxton
Nicolas Claxton could be a long-term solution at the center position. Set to hit unrestricted free agency, Claxton is a superb defender and a versatile big man who can switch onto smaller players and protect the rim.
Claxton averaged 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game last season, with a field goal percentage of 62.9%. His defensive prowess and ability to finish plays make him an ideal fit for the Raptors, who ranked 26th in defensive rating last season.
If the Raptors can maneuver their cap space to acquire Claxton, he could either replace current starter Jakob Poeltl or create a formidable one-two punch at the center position.
The Raptors enter the offseason with $13.7 million in cap space following the San Jose Sharks’ claim of Barclay Goodrow on June 19, providing them with some financial flexibility to pursue these targets.
Leave a Reply