The Toronto Raptors have a lot on their plate in the next few weeks and there might be some fans Raptors fan may not be a fan of.
The NBA is starting in exactly 44 days from today. In between now and then the Toronto Raptors will have a lot of things to take care of. The 2020 NBA Draft is November 18, free agency is shortly after that, then training camp begins December 1.
There will be a lot to look out for if you’re a Raptors fan and there might be some things Raptors won’t like to see even if it is the right thing to do. This brings us to our first point.
VanVleet and Ibaka sign for better deals elsewhere
Both of these players, Fred VanVleet and Serge Ibaka, have already expressed their desire to stay in Toronto. They love the city and the team, but Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster must shy away from overpaying players. It’s hard enough to build a winning franchise, and overpaying players certainly doesn’t make it easier — look at the Philadelphia 76ers.
The most likely scenario to happen, as Zach Lowe said in his piece:
"“They can re-sign Fred VanVleet to a fair contract, keep Serge Ibaka on a one-year balloon deal, and have plenty of space next offseason depending on OG Anunoby (extension eligible) and how Norman Powell approaches his $11.6 million player option.”"
But what if Serge Ibaka wants more long-term security? Or what if a team is desperate enough to overpay for VanVleet? These are options the players do have and how can we blame them if they decide to do what’s best for themselves.
The Toronto Raptors have made it clear that they’d do everything it takes to attract Giannis in the 2021 free agency. Raptors will certainly be unhappy if both VanVleet and Ibaka walk for nothing next month.
However, more likely than not, what Zach Lowe said is probably the most realistic outcome. With the cap staying the same due to the pandemic and many teams not having much cap space anyway. I feel comfortable the Raptors will do the right thing by signing Ibaka to a one year deal. But if teams are throwing the bag at VanVleet and I’m Bobby Webster. I’d be reluctant to match the offer and let him walk. Overpaying for a player who is replaceable isn’t the answer.
The Toronto Raptors cash in on Kyle Lowry
This probability of this happening is probably 1 percent. But given how Masai Ujiri likes to do business, it cannot be entirely ruled out. Kyle Lowry will be turning 35 and on an expiring contract this upcoming season. He was already a player that many playoffs teams would love to have, but his performance against the Boston Celtics increased his value even further.
We know the return would be really good if there ever was a trade in place. Lowry will certainly increase any team’s chances of being a champion and that can’t be said for many other players in the league. But something this crazy would only happen if the Raptors realize they aren’t good enough to compete against the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
The chances of that happening would inflate largely if what we mentioned earlier would actually happen. VanVleet and Ibaka are two players who play a big role in the Raptors core and letting them walk would certainly prompt a semi-rebuild. But this is unlikely to happen, Masai Ujiri believes in this core and he will do whatever it takes to produce winning basketball.
Also, Lowry would be used as a key piece in bringing Giannis north of the border. They are friends and Giannis just like Lowry, prioritizes winning ahead of everything. So that’s why there’s a 99 percent chance this doesn’t happen.
Terence Davis is proven guilty and the Toronto Raptors have to let him walk
As we all know, Terence Davis has been charged with assaulting a woman and criminal mischief. The Raptors have let it been known that they have acknowledged the incident and are looking to gather more information before making a decision on letting him walk.
If the allegations are true — which seems very likely — then Raptors fan should be happy the Raptors are letting him walk because there is absolutely no room for that in their organization and NBA.
The thing Raptors fans won’t like to go through is seeing their system fail through no fault of their own. Davis, like VanVleet, was an undrafted player the team decided to take a chance on. Davis was great and showed the NBA why he should’ve been drafted in the first place when he was named to the NBA All-Rookie second team.
In the end, Terence Davis will more than likely be released by the Raptors. As unfortunate as that might sound, there should be no tolerance towards domestic violence. The Toronto Raptors have to put their feet on the ground and do what’s right.