Toronto Raptors: 3 Priorities for the Toronto Raptors This Off-Season

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 03: Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors drives the ball against Daniel Theis #27 of the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at the Field House at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 03, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

2. Re-Sign Serge Ibaka

2019-20 stats – 55 GP – 15.4 PPG – 8.2 RPG – 1.4 APG – .512 FG% – .385 3P% – .718 FT%

Career Stats – 808 GP – 12.6 PPG – 7.4 RPG – 0.8 APG – .514 FG% – .360 3P% – .758 FT%

At my number two spot on this list, I have to re-sign big man Serge Ibaka. Even though Ibaka will be 31 years old by the start of next season, he has been a great player for this Raptors team just look at what he has done in the last two seasons. He is playing the best basketball of his career and anyone who disagrees isn’t looking at the same stats.

He came to Toronto during the 2016-17 season in a trade with Orlando and ever since then he has been a great addition this lineup, either as a starter or a bench player that supplies that energy and boosts off the bench when the team needs it most.

With both Ibaka and Gasol up for contracts, the question is who will they bring back? It shouldn’t take too long to decide that one, bring back Ibaka and let Gasol walk. Yes, Gasol was a key part of that 2019 championship run with his defense but he isn’t the same Gasol as before he will be 36 years old by the beginning of next season.

If the Toronto Raptors can bring back Ibaka on a two-year deal or even a three year deal like last time I’m all for it, the only thing I’m uncertain with is the money part. He made on average $21.6M a year through three years on his current deal, and I’m thinking maybe a similar deal with a bit less money this time.

I don’t want to guess contracts but maybe a two or three-year contract with an average maybe around $16-20M. Although if the Raptors are serious about Giannis in 2021 they are going to have to be careful with their money this off-season. (Stats from ESPN.com)

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