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5 Players the Raptors should target with the Taxpayer MLE

By Thomas Valentine

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 20: Isaiah Thomas
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 20: Isaiah Thomas /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Will Barton

A 2nd round pick back in 2012, Will Barton is a dynamic scorer who can slot in any unit when coming off of the bench. At 27 years old, Barton is just entering his peak and will be looking to find himself on a contender, and will be looking to increase his earnings of $3.5 million this year.

The obvious asset he presents to the Raptors is his shooting. A career three-point percentage of 34-percent doesn’t move the needle, but this season averaged a career best 37%. Above the league average 36-percent. Barton adds a spark off the bench, one that was lost when Fred VanVleet was out injured.

An above average defender, Barton uses his speed and wiry frame to stay in front of offensive players. His quick reactions give him in an advantage in reading the opposing player’s game. He can cut out passing lanes and produce steals – averaging one steal per game this year.

Barton is rumoured to be looking for a starting job this year. But if there’s no room for one he may have to settle for being a bench role. The MLE might be a little below his asking price but if the market sours he could find himself in Toronto on a one-year “prove-it” deal.