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Toronto Raptors: Predicting Delon Wright’s Market

By Justin Johnson

Toronto Raptors - Delon Wright (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors - Delon Wright (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 13: Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) and Toronto Raptors guard Delon Wright (55) celebrate Wright’s 3 pointer late in the game. Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat in 2nd half action of NBA regular season play at Air Canada Centre. Raptors win 115-112. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 13: Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) and Toronto Raptors guard Delon Wright (55) celebrate Wright’s 3 pointer late in the game. Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat in 2nd half action of NBA regular season play at Air Canada Centre. Raptors win 115-112. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Teams That Should Be Interested

Toronto Raptors

As previously mentioned, Delon Wright will be a restricted free agent next year. This means Toronto can choose to match any contract that is offered, so its only right to start with them.

Delon’s playmaking and ability to guard multiple positions given his length should be enough for Toronto to at least consider bringing him back. With Lowry and VanVleet having a similar style of play, he also gives them a different option at point guard when going up against a bigger team like the Spurs or Lakers.

Orlando Magic

If there is any team that would pay more than the market suggests for Delon, it would be Orlando. Although Toronto can match any offer sheet, a team that is already deep in the luxury tax might be cautious about the money they use. The Raptors already have multiple point guards and a variety of perimeter defenders, so bringing Delon back might not be a priority for them.

https://twitter.com/orlandomagic/status/988413038024904704?s=21

Orlando will also be looking for a starting point guard to get the ball to their talented frontcourt.  After the Magic moved Elfrid Payton, the leader in assists for the team was Shelvin Mack at 3.9 assists per game. Delon’s ability to set up for others would be a great fit next to Aaron Gordon, Johnathan Isaac, and particularly Mo Bamba. A Delon and Bamba duo could result in the same pick and roll chemistry that Jakob Poeltl and Delon Wright once had for the past couple of years in Toronto and the University of Utah.

Phoenix Suns

Similar to Orlando, Phoenix will also be looking for a point guard to pair with DeAndre Ayton and Devin Booker. The Suns have been looking at point guards at a higher tier such as Kemba Walker and Damian Lillard. There is a strong possibility that Phoenix could strike out on these elite guards and they will have to settle for a backup guard who is capable of starting.

Phoenix did acquire De’Anthony Melton who looked solid over the summer, but they still lack depth at that position. With the 2019 draft having barely any point guards in the lottery range, their best bet is free agency or facilitating trades. Delon would also be a great fit next to Booker with one being an excellent shooter and another who is great at finishing at the rim. In addition, his defensive skill would allow easier defensive matchups for Booker. Given his age, Delon would also be seen as a great short-term investment and would fit right into their timeline.