Toronto Raptors: Previewing the upcoming 2020 free agent class

First priorities – long shots

Jaylen Brown

When Jamal Murray agreed to a five-year $140 million extension this summer. Jaylen Brown must have had dollar signs flash in his eyes like he was Mr. Crabs.

While Brown isn’t quite as good as Murray right now, the 6-foot-7 athletic forward oozes with potential and has already monster big-time moments in the NBA playoffs. He’s not quite to Murray’s level, but you better believe that will be an anchoring point for all negotiations.

As a restricted free agent, the Celtics are almost certainly going to match whatever offer Brown receives on the open market. They aren’t projected to have cap space, and letting Brown walk means losing him for nothing.

However, if there is any suggestion that the Celtics may be wavering on what they’re willing to offer Brown, the Toronto Raptors should jump in. He has elite physical tools, is a skilled defender, an efficient scorer, and will be just 23 years old next summer.

He fits the Raptors positionally (imagine Brown, OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam on the wings defensively), and while he might not be a max player yet, he’s worth the gamble.

Brandon Ingram

The jury is still out on Brandon Ingram the player, but next season should provide guidance.

On the one hand, he’s 6-foot-9 with guard quality skills, averaged 18 points per game last season, and has shown signs of becoming a top-end scorer and creator. On the other, he’s a below-average defender, a mediocre shooter, and needs the ball to be effective.

Ingram has the potential to be the best player on this list. However, at this point, he’s more theory than production. — He also had some serious medical issues last season, but those appear to be behind him at this time.

Next season will be critical for Ingram, not only regarding his place with the New Orleans Pelicans but also where he stands in the league as a whole.

And that is exactly why it will be tough for him to provide real value to the Raptors. If Ingram plays well next season, the Pelicans will keep him at all costs. If he floats in and out, he suppresses his own value on the market.

A fully realized Brandon Ingram would be a great fit on the Toronto Raptors. However, a fully realized Brandon Ingram will probably remain with the New Orleans Pelicans.