After a busy trade deadline, the Toronto Raptors currently have multiple roster spots available. Here are the top buyout candidates the Raptors should pursue.
The dust has finally settled on a crazy NBA trade deadline. The Toronto Raptors were largely expected to be quiet this trade deadline. That…. did not happen.
A Marc Gasol trade, a Greg Monroe trade, and yes, even a Malachi Richardson trade, leaves Toronto with MULTIPLE open roster spots that will be filled prior to postseason play. One area where they will look to find available players, the buyout market.
A franchise will buyout one of its players for a number of reasons. The team may have been trying to move that individual at the deadline, but could not find a trading partner. They may have picked a player up in a trade, but do not see them contributing to the direction the organization is heading. The team may have a high paid player that they would like to avoid paying the total remainder of his salary.
So far this season there have already been a few buyouts. They include Carmelo Anthony from the Atlanta Hawks, Tyson Chandler and Austin Rivers from the Phoenix Suns, and Kenneth Faried from the Brooklyn Nets. These players all agreed to be waived from their team and gave back part of the salary they would have earned if they finished out their contract with that organization. The player has to then clear waivers, making them an unrestricted free agent.
The Toronto Raptors will have an eye on finding upgrades through the buyout process. NBA teams are allowed a maximum 15 roster spots for the playoffs, including two players who remain inactive per game. Since the Raptors busy trade deadline, it opened multiple spots on the Raps roster. They are sure to be looking to fill that space with an addition whom they believe can move the needle, especially in an area of need.
There is a precedent to believe that the Raptors can find their ideal player. In 2013 the Miami Heat signed Chris “Birdman” Anderson, who provided big minutes and presence on their way to winning a championship. In 2016 the Warriors sign Anderson Varejao who they brought with them to the NBA Finals.
Even as recently as last season, big-name players were bought out and found new landing spots on competitive teams. Former Raptor, Greg Monroe left the Suns before joining the Boston Celtics. Joe Johnson was signed by the Houston Rockets after he was bought out for the second time in his career. Marco Belinelli was waived by the Hawks last year before joining the Philadelphia 76ers to become an important member of their rotation.
Here are the best remaining players the Raptors can pursue should they be waived this season.
Jeremy Lin
Jeremy Lin is a 30-year-old 6’3″ point guard for the Hawks. He is in his ninth season, playing with his seventh team. Lin is a $13.8M cap hit this season, prime for a buyout.
Lin is not the same player who set the league on fire as a member of the Knicks but remains effective. He is an excellent passer with extraordinary court vision. He is having a good year after only playing a single game on the 2017-2018 campaign. He was sidelined for the season with a knee injury when he ruptured his patella tendon on opening night.
Coming off the bench for the Hawks, Lin is having an impressive bounce-back season. He is averaging close to 11 points, four assists, and two rebounds per game. Lin is also shooting 33% from three. His athleticism has been on display every night in Atlanta, doing everything the organization has asked of him.
The Raptors may be interested in Lin’s services if he gets waived by Atlanta. With Delon Wright heading to Memphis and Fred VanVleet could use another running mate to pair alongside him in the second unit.
Lin is worth bringing into the mix as he replicates many of the same attributes Delon did. He is a crafty driver and a willing passer. He serves as an excellent “co-point guard” next to FVV.
Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon is a seven-foot center for the Hawks. At age 29, he is having a career year. At a cap hit of $7.2M, Dedmon is averaging better than ten points, seven rebounds and an assist per game. On the second year of his two-year contract, Dedmon is prime to be bought out.
The Raptors would be interested in Dedmon’s impressive defensive ability. He is one of the toughest players in the association to confront in the paint. He is also going to get on the glass and pick up the difficult rebounds. With his size and strength, opponents have a tough time matching up near the rim.
Out of the paint, Dedmon is a different player. He does not have much finesse to his dribble and is limited to getting most of his points close to the bucket. He is not likely to ever create his own shot. If he were to play with the Raps, they could expect him to make the occasional three-ball to go along with his dunks, layups, and putbacks.
Toronto’s trade for Marc Gasol makes this much less likely. Dedmon probably would not want to play behind both Gasol and Serge Ibaka. If bought out, he may be more apt to join a team in greater need of a center. However, Toronto should give Dedmon a call for insurance purposes, if nothing else.
Enes Kanter
Enes Kanter is a 6’11” center, playing for the Knicks. At age 26, he is currently in his seventh year in the NBA. The former third overall pick of the 2011 draft is earning $18.6M in the last year of his year deal. Kanter is averaging 14 points, just under 2 assists and greater than 10 rebounds per contest this season.
Kanter is known for his strong footwork and strength in the post. He can shoot mid-range shots well and provide needed offense as a member of the second unit. He can also be counted on to crash the boards and get the ball with more efficiency than anyone currently on the Raptors roster.
After trading Greg Monroe, Kanter would be a perfect substitute. Kanter’s game is very similar to Monroe’s, although better in nearly every category. Just like Moose, Kanter is also a poor defender whom other teams identify and attack for easier buckets. Toronto could use him in the second unit, especially when matching up with an opponent’s bench squad.
Playing Milwaukee this season, Nick Nurse was bewildered to watch his bench players wilt when given the opportunity to play against the best in the league.
Kanter could breathe some new life into the team when he is on the floor and be used as another scoring option that helps spread the floor. Kanter also provides some sandpaper to his game, throwing his opponents off with his non-stop trash talk.
Jamal Crawford
Jamal Crawford is a 38-year-old 6’5″ guard for the Suns. Currently, in his 18th year in the league, he is averaging over six points, a rebound and three assists per game. He is playing on a one-year $2.4M contract.
Crawford’s biggest asset is his ability to mentor younger players. He has played on eight different teams and has won the Sixth Man of the Year Award three times.
With his best years behind him, he is still able to act as an additional coach in the huddle, while also providing minutes when called upon. There is no indication that this is a need for the Raptors, but if Nurse feels like adding a veteran would be beneficial, then they may consider acquiring the third oldest player (behind Vince Carter and Dirk Nowitzki) in the association.
The Raptors should be cautious about using one of their roster spots to carry Crawford into the playoffs with them. There is no doubt that he can teach and motivate the players around him, but when on the floor, he is a liability.
Crawford provides poor defense, combined with an unimpressive scoring touch. Crawford has only a 36% field goal rate this season to accompany his 29% from downtown. The Raps are better off letting Crawford try to find a different suitor should he find himself a free-agent mid-season.
However, considering the number of spots Masai and company will need to fill, Crawford may be one of the best options at some point.
Jeff Green
Jeff Green is a 6’9″ forward, playing for the Washington Wizards. At age 32, he is in his 10th year and eighth team. That includes his rookie season playing with Kevin Durant on the Seattle Supersonics. Green ended up there when the Celtics traded him for Ray Allen. He was also a part of the franchise move to Oklahoma City. He is being paid $2.4M this season.
The Raptors are familiar with Jeff Green. He was part of the Cavaliers team that eliminated them from their playoff run in 2018. He was a part of that team’s rotation, which is his current role on the Wizards. This season, Green is averaging over 12 points, four rebounds and just under two assists per game. He is also shooting well from beyond the arc, with a 37-percent success rate.
Green is strong in the post and can rack up the points. Having to also respect his outside shooting, it forces defenders to stay close. Adding an athletic player with these skills opens up the floor for others. For example, playing Green with Kawhi Leonard could dissuade opponents from swarming Leonard whenever he has possession of the ball. That is not to suggest that Green could step in as a starter on the Raptors, but he can easily be mixed in when the offense needs to go on a run.
Having played over 800 games and making an NBA final, he brings valuable experience to any team that brings him into the fold should he be bought out. He does not impress on defense, but if the Raptors are looking for a scorer, Green could be an intriguing option.
Recent reports indicate that the Wizards would like to hold on to Jeff Green past this season. However, if Green asks for his release, the Wizards would likely be willing.
Vince Carter
Vince Carter is not new to being linked to a return to Toronto. At age 42, this swingman is earning $2.4M. In his 20th year in the league, he is playing for the Atlanta Hawks. As the NBA’s oldest active player, it is not surprising that he is down in nearly every statistical category from his career averages.
Carter has over six points, two rebounds and an assist per game this season. It has been 18 years since he dazzled with 27.6 points per contest with the Raptors. Even Vinsanity’s biggest fans know that he is nowhere near the same player. Playing just under 16 minutes a game with the Hawks, he is still getting plenty of looks from the perimeter and converting on 37% of his triples. Despite a large decline in Carter’s foot speed, he remains a competent defender. This is why he has managed to accumulate 20 seasons of work in the NBA.
The Raptors may be interested in reuniting with Air Canada for a few reasons. Bringing him back to Toronto is a nice story. They may believe that nostalgia can bring more casual fans’ eyes on the team. He could also act as a mentor for younger players, similar to the way Crawford could. On the floor, the organization may believe that Carter could potentially be a useful three-and-D.
If Carter finds himself a free agent before season’s end, it is not in the best interest of the Raptors to sign him. The media frenzy that would accompany his acquisition may bring change to the demeanour of the players in the locker room. He is also not as mobile as anyone he would be replacing on the current roster. Unless Masai and Webster feel like they are in desperate need of a calming presence in tense in-game moments, they may want to take a pass on Carter.
Markieff Morris
Markieff Morris is the second twin on our list whose brother also happens to play for a rival Eastern Conference team. His brother, Marcus, plays for the Celtics. Markieff is a 6’10” forward who was moved to the New Orleans Pelicans ahead of the deadline. At age 29, he is playing in his seventh season in the association and carries an $8.6M cap hit.
It is unclear whether the Pelicans intend to hold onto Morris or not. They currently sit 13th in the Western Conference without much hope of making the playoffs. The Pelicans also received a 2023 second-round pick in exchange for Wesley Johnson. Since this appears to have been a deal centered around the cap and cost savings, it could mean that Morris still gets bought out.
Currently sidelined with a neck injury, Morris is an imposing figure. He knows how to intimidate players and force them to take the shots they would otherwise prefer to avoid. In the 34 games he played for the Wizards this season, he scored 11.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.
His play in the post on both ends makes him a desirable asset. He is able to drive to the cup and post up opponents with ease. Morris is also an efficient shooter. Thanks to his inside play, he is shooting over 50% when putting up a two-ball. Morris has perfected using his frame to allow him the space to score.
The Raptors would be happy to have a shot at including Morris in their plans for the postseason. They could potentially see Boston as a second-round matchup, where the Morris twins could cancel each other out. Markieff is a prime backup poweforward to play as Pascal Siakam sits.
The Raptors would have to consider what sort of role Morris would play and to what extent. He could want to join another team who have greater needs, meaning he would get more minutes. Though perhaps he may want to chase a ring with the Raptors. No matter how the Raps see him, he would be an excellent insurance policy for an injury to a forward.
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony has not played an NBA game since November 8, 2018, when he last suited up for the Rockets. The 34-year-old swingman has only played ten games this season after getting bought out of his $28M contract with the Hawks.
The Rockets moved Anthony to the Bulls in late January along with his current veteran’s minimum deal, $2.4M. He hasn’t played for the organization and is not expected to get an opportunity with them. Instead, the Bulls are likely to buy him out, with most speculation having him land with the Lakers.
Should Melo be waived for the second time this season and prefer Toronto over Los Angeles, there will be great debate over whether he is the right fit for the Raptors. That discussion has been ongoing all season already. Many believe that the Raps would be wise to stay clear of Melo due to his shooting decline, lack of defense and being tagged as a dressing room cancer. Those in the other camp, who feel that Anthony can still bring value for a team, are willing to take a chance on the 10-time all-star and former scoring champion.
Players from around the league have come out and expressed their love for the volume shooter. Many have said that he is misrepresented by the media and actually beloved by his teammates. If the front office of the Raptors believes that Melo could be a fit in a limited role, they might just trust those who sing his praises and give him a shot in the Six.
Chandler Parsons
Chandler Parsons is a seven-year small forward for the Grizzlies. The 30-year-old stands 6’10” and carries a $24.1M salary this year. Unlike others on this list, Parsons is on the books for 2019-2020. He is slated to make $25.1M. That big-ticket makes Parsons very difficult to trade. It is more likely that he negotiates a buyout.
Parsons and the Grizzlies came to an understanding in late December that he would not play any more games for the team. He has been hampered by injuries, which have limited him to only three games this season. Health woes have been an unfortunate reality for Parsons over the last three seasons. In 2017 and 2018 he played in only 34 and 36 games respectively.
If the Raptors get the opportunity to sign Parsons, they would need to ensure that he is not just healthy, but also ready to ball at a level closer to his career averages. For his career, Parsons is shooting 13 points on a 46.6% field goal rate. He also has 2.8 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game. In a very small sample size this season, his game averages were 5.7 points, 0.7 assists, and 1.3 rebounds.
Parsons declared himself healthy and ready to play back in December. He wants to return to work, which means that he may be extra motivated to perform. Wherever he goes, whether it is Toronto or elsewhere, he has a lot to prove.
Wayne Ellington
Wayne “The Man with the Golden Arm” Ellington was traded before the deadline in a package with teammate Tyler Johnson to the Suns in exchange for Ryan Anderson. Ellington is a 6’5″ shooting guard with 9 years in the NBA. The 31-year-old is making $6.27M and is rumoured to be bought out by his new team.
Ellington is the type of player that the Raptors may be looking for. He chucks a lot of threes and makes them 37% of the time. In fact, 84% of the shots he takes come from beyond the arc. On the season he is averaging over eight points, a steal and nearly two rebounds per game.
Though Ellington is able to produce on the offensive end, his game is not well-rounded. He is not overly fleet of foot. This gives him trouble to defend quicker and athletic players and makes him a liability at times. He is often targeted by opponents to attack. This could have Nurse hesitant to put Ellington on the floor for extended stretches.
If the Raptors narrow their focus on a player who can live on the perimeter and give them three points in a hurry, Ellington will be on their short list. They may consider the success of other players in the playoffs such as Kyle Korver to determine whether this is the sort of addition they wish to make to fill the remaining spot on their roster.