Giannis Antetokounmpo used his birthday gift and finally signed the supermax contract that has been on the table since the offseason started. What’s next for the Toronto Raptors?
It was always a long shot. The Toronto Raptors were certainly in the mix from the start, but luring Giannis Antetokounmpo away from the franchise that drafted and developed him was always going to be a monumental task.
Even if he decided to leave, the Raptors were far from the only organization interested in the generational talent. The Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors and LA Clippers were all franchises rumoured to have interest in the Greek Freak. Tough competition for the superstar.
Tuesday, December 15th was a heart-breaking day for all Toronto Raptors fans and fans of all the aforementioned organizations alike. For Milwaukee Bucks fans, it would’ve had to have been one of the best and most relieving moments of their fandom.
This is my home, this is my city.. I’m blessed to be able to be a part of the Milwaukee Bucks for the next 5 years. Let’s make these years count. The show goes on, let’s get it. 🤎🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/895tCBE9RK
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) December 15, 2020
For the Toronto Raptors, it’s time to pivot.
Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster are one of the greatest front office tandems in the National Basketball League. Toronto Raptors fans should feel confident about the fact that those two had planned for every possible situation and are already planning their next move.
It’s no secret though that this creates a lot of unknowns for this organization. The cap space is still coming and they already let two big pieces go in Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol to keep it that way.
It will be interesting to see if the Toronto Raptors stay the course and work towards the monster 2021 free agent agent class or swing for the fences and go after a big-name player who is looking for a trade (*cough cough* James Harden).
Ujiri and Webster have made a big splash before and are currently sitting at +400 odds to trade for Harden. Even insiders and players have openly stated the Toronto Raptors culture would be a fit for the superstar guard.
The 2021 free agent class is still sitting pretty for the Toronto Raptors though, and if the front office doesn’t want to mortgage the future for another guard (which to be honest is probably their deepest position as we speak) they would be smart to stay the course and add some front-court forces to turn this team into a championship contender.
There was definitely some panic and disappointment on social media from Toronto Raptors fans following the Giannis news. This is the NBA though and things move fast. For now, sit back and relax. It’s the holidays and basketball is back in less than a week! Masai and Bobby have a plan.