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Toronto Raptors: 3 offseason moves that make Toronto competitive

By Jason Mills

TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammates after sinking a buzzer beater to win Game Seven of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on May 12, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammates after sinking a buzzer beater to win Game Seven of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on May 12, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Andre Drummond, Raptors
CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 06: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Raptors offseason move No. 2: Sign Andre Drummond

Powell, who everyone would hate to see leave, should be an automatic starter on any NBA team. The Raptors cannot afford him if they are to re-tool the roster, so if Powell walks away, then Andre Drummond should be targeted to play center.

Based on 2020 standards and the dwindling reliance on centers in the NBA, the Raptors could go hard after acquiring Andre Drummond, a free agent this coming summer. Should Toronto do nothing to alter their roster now, they are dead-last at rebounding in the NBA and do not have a rim protector at the five spot unless you count the wiry, undersized Chris Boucher.

Before being sent home pending a resolution of his contractual situation, Drummond produced 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game at his steady usual rate. Since his sophomore season, he has been a double-double machine and has averaged 1.5 blocked shots per game for his career.

Andre Drummond could end up with the Toronto Raptors

Drummond does his best work around the basket, and this is an area the Raptors’ offense needs help. The team averages just 42.1 points per game in the paint, which is fourth-worst in the NBA.

Drummond was sent home earlier this season, awaiting a trade or buyout of his contract, and there hasn’t been any real movement on that front. It is probable that because he is a free agent this summer anyway, no team wants to spend player assets or future picks for his services.

Based on 2020 standards, when most of the top free-agent power forwards/centers received one +one worth $8.5-9 million a year deals, Drummond could be had for a two + one deal worth 15-20 million a year, bringing Toronto’s cap commitments up to approximately $104 or $109 million for next season.