Toronto Raptors: Chances of each player returning next season
Serge Ibaka
Of the Raptors present day core: Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Serge Ibaka and Jonas Valanciunas, Ibaka is the most likely to be dealt.
The veteran big-man has been a moderate disappointment since arriving in Toronto and with a modern NBA skill-set (rim-protection and 3’s) his value on the trade market might surprise people. Most teams likely consider Ibaka a center at this point in his career, and if paired with a younger, more athletic frontcourt partner, a late-career resurgence is possible.
However, it won’t happen with the Raptors. JV is the more talented player and with Jakob Poeltl still on the roster, shoehorning center minutes to Ibaka becomes difficult.
Perhaps Ibaka’s contract proves too difficult to move this offseason, but Toronto will definitely try.
Chance of return – 60 percent
OG Anunoby
In what looks to be a loaded 2018 draft class, there might not be a bigger steal (besides Donovan Mitchell) than OG Anunoby.
Tasked as a defensive stopper, Anunoby was the linchpin of a top five NBA defense this season. On offense, Anunoby was extremely efficient in an admittedly small role, posting an effective field goal percentage of 58-percent while averaging 10.6 points per 36 minutes.
Then in a pressure packed postseason, Anunoby elevated his play even further. Anunoby averaged an additional 1.3 points per 36, while increasing his EFG percentage to an absurd 68-percent.
Defensively, Anunoby gave a valiant effort against LeBron James. Although LBJ did run rampant against Toronto, a large percentage of his damage came against switches, an action Cleveland was actively looking to force, in order to avoid Anunoby.
Young, talented, on a $1.8 Million contract, Anunoby is the Raptors best trade chip and would require a mountain in return.