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Toronto Raptors: Would Anthony Davis consider signing with the Raptors?

By Mark Birdsell

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 27: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 27, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 27: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 27, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: Norman Powell #24 and Kyle Lowry #7 help OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors up during game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 27, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: Norman Powell #24 and Kyle Lowry #7 help OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors up during game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 27, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Payroll flexibility to add another star player

Currently, the Raptors only have two players under contract for the 2020-21 Season: OG Anunoby ($3.9 million) and Norman Powell ($10.9 million). If Leonard resigns for the max his salary would be $35.3 million. Add cap holds for Pascal Siakam ($7 million), Fred VanVleet ($14 million) and the number 25 overall pick in the 2020 draft ($1.7 million) and the total is approximately $73 million.

The salary cap is projected to increase to $116 million in 2020. Therefore, entering that offseason, the Raptors could have $37 million in cap space.[1]

2020 does not have as many big name free agents as next year. However, the Raptors can sit back and watch everyone else use their cap space and wait for another marquee name to hit the open market.

Anthony Davis is set to become a free agent in 2020. Davis is currently 25 years old. In 2020, he will be 27 and just entering his prime.

Davis has already established an impressive resume. He is a five time All-Star. Davis has been named to the All-NBA First Team and All-NBA Defensive team three times. Davis also finished in third place in both MVP and Defensive Player of the year voting this past season.

One of the most popular terms used to describe a player these days is “unicorn”. A unicorn is typically someone who is 6-foot-10 and taller, who combines length, agility, handle, shooting and defense. There are a number of unicorns in the NBA presently. Karl-Anthony Towns, Kristaps Porzingis and Giannis Antetokounmpo all fit the bill. However, a true unicorn is still exceedingly rare.

Davis is one unicorn that people often forget about. He missed at least 14 games in each of his first four seasons. Davis plays in New Orleans, which is not a major market and has only played in the post-season twice, 2015 and 2018. This past season, was the first time his team made it out of the first round.

Despite the lack of team success, Davis is an all-world talent. Last season, he averaged 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.6 blocks, while shooting 34 percent from three-point range through 75 games.

Davis entered the NBA Draft after his freshman season at Kentucky. He was the number one pick in 2012. Davis has excellent size standing 6-foot-10.5 (in shoes) with a 9-foot-0 standing reach and a 7-foot-5.5 wingspan. He is exactly the type of modern big NBA teams are looking for.

The Boston Celtics have reportedly been saving their assets, waiting for the Pelicans to put Davis on the market. However, if it doesn’t happen by next year’s draft, it might be too late. The Celtics have to resign Irving and Al Horford next summer. They have young players eligible for rookie contract extensions. Also, the Celtic’s seemingly endless supply of additional first round draft picks is about to come to an end.