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Toronto Raptors: The pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo and what the roster could look like in 2021

By Mark Birdsell

SANTA MONICA, CA - JUNE 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks peaks with the media during a press conference after the 2019 NBA Awards Show at the Barker Hangar on June 24, 2019 in Santa Monica, 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Will Navarro/NBAE via Getty Images)
SANTA MONICA, CA - JUNE 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks peaks with the media during a press conference after the 2019 NBA Awards Show at the Barker Hangar on June 24, 2019 in Santa Monica, 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Will Navarro/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Raptors’ projected depth chart

The Raptors would then enter the summer of 2021 with nine players under contract and a depth chart as follows:

  • PG: Fred VanVleet, A.J. Lawson
  • SG: Norman Powell, Matt Thomas
  • SF: OG Anunoby, Khalil Whitney, Alex Antetokounmpo
  • PF: Pascal Siakam
  • C: Dewan Hernandez

The oldest player on the roster would be Powell at 28. Meanwhile, Siakam, Anunoby, and VanVleet would all be in or entering their prime. The Raptors would enter the offseason with a nice collection of versatile players capable of complimenting any style of play. The team would also have plenty of cap space available to chase a big-name free agent.

The salary cap is projected to increase to $125 million for the 2021-22 season. After factoring in salaries for the team’s first-round picks, the Raptors would have just over $81 million in committed salaries. That would leave Toronto with enough space to sign Giannis or one of the other max-level players who will be available that summer.

Much like this past summer, there will be plenty of suitors lining up trying to snag a superstar.  There are no guarantees that Giannis will decide to leave Milwaukee. Even if he does, the Raptors will be just one of many teams vying for his services.

Who Kawhi's Raptors beat the current Clippers?. dark. Next

Ujiri and his staff may not be able to lure Giannis or any of the other available stars to Toronto, but Raptors’ fans have faith. Ujiri has a plan. He is building for the future and will strike when the time is right.

Stats were provided by NBA.com and ESPN.com

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