5 Players the Raptors should target with the Taxpayer MLE

With no cap-space and a current payroll above the Luxury-Tax, the Toronto Raptors enter free-agency with only their Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, who are the top five candidates for the Raptors if they do decide to use their exception?

NBA Free Agency is almost here, and the Toronto Raptors payroll leaves a lot less wriggle room than desired this offseason. With no cap-space and few other options, Toronto’s best shot at signing someone is through the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, projected to be $5.29 million in 2018/19.

In the NBA $5.29 million typically does not stretch very far, but in a down year, the Toronto Raptors do have some options. 

This list features a guard coming off an injury and slump in form, a solid role player who could be a steal and some snipers from beyond the arc. Let’s begin..

Wayne Ellington

Last season the Toronto Raptors ranked below league average in three-point shooting percentage. Wayne Ellington will help improve that ranking. He is an electric three-point shooter who is not afraid to fire triples if given even the smallest breathing room.

Last season, Ellington had somewhat of a career year, averaging 11.2 PPG while shooting 39% from three on just over seven attempts a game. His shooting was vital for Miami, who made the playoffs after a one year lay-off. 

Now at the age of 30, Ellington could be looking to become part of a contending team. Toronto is still exactly that. The trend of veterans taking pay cuts to join contending teams could extend here.

Ellington made $6.1m this past season and after a career season he may be looking for a pay-raise. However, with this year’s cap crunch and Miami’s rising payroll, leaving South Florida could be his only option. If possible, Toronto should look to swoop in a pick up another potent perimeter threat.