Toronto Raptors roundtable: offseason summary and thoughts

2 of 5

TORONTO, ON – APRIL 8 – Toronto Raptor DeMar DeRozan talks with Raptors Norman Powell (24) in the 1st half as the Toronto Raptors host the Orlando Magic in Air Canada Centre, Toronto, April 8. April 8, 2018. Bernard Weil/Toronto Star (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Question: Rumors are Toronto is attempting to make one last deal, who do you believe it will be?

Mark Birdsell:

Next season will be the first time in franchise history that the Toronto Raptors pay the luxury tax. The Raptors payroll is $139.6 million, which is almost $16 million over the luxury tax threshold. The current estimated tax bill is $31.6 million.

Trading Norman Powell and his $9.3 million salary would reduce the tax bill to just over $10 million.

Will management really be willing to pay an additional $21.6 million in luxury tax to keep a player that might not be in the rotation next season?

Thomas Valentine:

I think it’s got to be Delon Wright. He has the highest value of any player who is not critical to the team.

Obviously, the Raptors brought back Lorenzo Brown as well, so there’s a potential log jam at the point guard position. It makes sense to get something for Delon now.

If not Delon, then maybe Norm Powell. Though I imagine his contract might be a little more difficult to off-load

Matt Stocco:

As much as the fans and I would like to see the Raptors free of Serge Ibaka’s contract – the odds of Masai pulling that are astronomical.

What is more realistic is Norman Powell. There are rumors that Toronto is trying to shed salary, and trading Norman would help (however I would rather the Raptors just pay the tax).

In return for Norman and a pot sweetener (such as a pick or Delon Wright) another stretch 4, or a long 3 or wing that can shoot the 3 would only add to the Raptors’ strategy of stretching the floor.