The Toronto Raptors are grappling with significant challenges as they attempt to replace a 35-year-old NBA All-Star who has been a cornerstone of the team. The front office’s efforts to find a suitable replacement have hit a major roadblock, coinciding with the announcement of the departure of three other key players. This development has sparked concerns about the decisions made during the 2024 NBA free agency period.
Raptors’ Biggest Mistake in 2024 NBA Free Agency
As the dust settles on the 2024 NBA free agency, questions linger about whether the Raptors will come to regret some of their recent decisions. Masai Ujiri, the Raptors’ president of basketball operations, has a history of bold moves, such as trading DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard in 2018—a gamble that ultimately paid off with a 2019 NBA Championship. However, since then, the Raptors have struggled to maintain that level of success. The departures of key players like Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and most recently, Pascal Siakam, have left the team in a state of transition.
Scottie Barnes Takes the Helm
With Siakam no longer in the picture, Scottie Barnes, the 2021-22 NBA Rookie of the Year, has become the face of the franchise. During the 2023-24 season, Barnes stepped into the role of the Raptors’ primary option. Alongside him, the team has added talents like Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett. Despite the potential of these young players, the Raptors have struggled to establish a clear identity, leading to a disappointing 25-57 record—their worst since the 2011-12 season.
New head coach Darko Rajakovic has faced the difficult task of navigating a team caught between rebuilding and competing in the Eastern Conference. As the Raptors prepare for the 2024-25 season, Rajakovic and his staff are focusing heavily on player development, recognizing that their young and inexperienced roster will need time to mature.
Raptors’ Limited Free Agency Moves
The Raptors entered the 2024 offseason with limited options in free agency. With Barnes eligible for a significant extension and Quickley a restricted free agent, the front office had to make tough decisions. They ultimately chose to lock in both players with long-term contracts, but these decisions could have long-term implications for the team’s flexibility.
Scottie Barnes’ Long-Term Potential
The Raptors have clearly placed their future in the hands of Scottie Barnes, signing him to a five-year, $224 million max contract that keeps him in Toronto through the 2029-30 season. While Barnes is undoubtedly a talented player, the question remains whether he can truly thrive as the Raptors’ No. 1 option. Although he has excelled defensively and as a point-forward, his offensive game, particularly his perimeter shooting, needs further development. The $45 million average annual salary attached to his contract is a significant investment, and the Raptors are betting heavily on Barnes’ potential.
Locking Down the Core
In addition to Barnes, the Raptors also extended Immanuel Quickley with a five-year, $162.5 million contract after he emerged as the team’s lead point guard. Quickley has always been a dynamic scorer, but his role expanded with the Raptors, making him a key part of the team’s future alongside Barnes. The Raptors now have both Barnes and Quickley under contract through the 2028-29 season, solidifying them as the core of the franchise. RJ Barrett, another crucial piece, is signed through the 2026-27 season.
While securing this trio provides the Raptors with stability, it also puts them in a precarious financial position. By the 2025-26 season, Barnes, Quickley, and Barrett will account for nearly 64% of the team’s salary cap, limiting the front office’s ability to make other significant moves. If the trio doesn’t meet expectations, their large contracts could become a burden, making it difficult to find trade partners or to build a competitive roster around them.
Future Risks and Reflections
The 2024 offseason may not seem like a disaster now, but it carries significant risks for the Raptors’ future. While the decisions to extend Barnes and Quickley were justifiable, they come with the potential for long-term consequences. Two or three years from now, the Raptors might look back at the 2024 offseason with regret if these moves don’t lead to the resurgence the franchise is hoping for.
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