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Toronto Raptors: Each player’s likelihood to return next season

By Jeff Borsuk

Toronto Raptors - NBA Champions (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors - NBA Champions (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, CANADA – (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA – (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Marc Gasol

The Raptors paid a steep price to acquire Marc Gasol. They had to give the Memphis Grizzlies Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles and a 2024 second-round draft pick in order to bring the center to Toronto. He played a big part in their playoff success thanks to his ability to shut down opponents.

Gasol is not the same player he was when he was able to dominate a game. He will be 34 next season and a step slower than his younger days. As was seen during the playoffs, he still has the ability to shoot the three-ball and play above average defence. Gasol has the ability to defend the rim and even come out and meet his man on the perimeter.

The Big Burrito has a player option in his contract for next season. If he chooses to stay in Toronto, he will be paid $25,595,700. That’s more than any other team would offer. This means that if Gasol wanted to leave the Raptors, it would be a costly decision. For that reason alone, he should be expected to start next season with the Dinos.

Chance at returning – 80-percent 

Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry is the longest-serving Raptor and has been the heart of the team since he arrived in Toronto, ahead of the 2012-13 season. All it took was Gary Forbes and a first-round draft pick to land the franchise all-time leader in three-point field goals.

The biggest determination on whether Lowry will be a Raptor going forward could be whether Leonard re-signs. If he does not, this could trigger a rebuild. If that were to come to fruition then no one on the roster is safe.

Lowry has one year left on his three-year deal. It will pay him $33,296,296 but carry a cap hit of $34,496,296. This is a lot of money for the thirty-three-year-old point guard, which would diminish the return if the team was looking to package him in a trade. Lowry does have a lot to offer and could be a difference maker for another organization.

Ideally, Lowry can team back up with his friend, Leonard and bring back the magic they had together on the floor this season.

Chance at returning – 78-percent