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Toronto Raptors: “Pass or cash” on non-guaranteed deals or team options

By Ben Fisher

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammates (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammates (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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DeAndre' Bembry, Toronto Raptors
TAMPA, FLORIDA – APRIL 18: Ty Jerome #16 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball as DeAndre’ Bembry #95 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

DeAndre’ Bembry

 2021-22 Contract Status: $1.977 million, non-guaranteed

If Watanabe was a win and Baynes and Len were flops among the Raptors’ off-season additions, then Bembry has basically amounted to a shrug. Signed to a two-year, $3.7 million contract with a non-guaranteed second year, Bembry has come over from the Atlanta Hawks as advertised; a decent defensive role player with a shaky shot and minimal offense.

It’s not sexy or exciting, but Bembry’s modest contributions might still make him worth picking up the $1.977 million second-year option.

Even a rebuilding Raptors team will need bodies to fill out the roster, and a defensively sound reserve who seems to be a solid teammate might be a decent guy to have around, especially on a relatively cheap contract.

Verdict: Cash

Paul Watson Jr.

 2021-22 Contract Status: $1.7 million, non-guaranteed

The latest in a long line of players with cult followings who some fans believe should be playing more (call them the “Bruno Caboclo All-Stars”), Watson enjoyed his moment in the sun a few weeks ago against Orlando. Making his first career start, the 26-year-old wowed with a career-best 30 points on 10-13 shooting.

The fact that Watson followed up his career night with an 0-for-10 goose egg two nights later against Oklahoma City and then was sidelined with knee tendinitis highlights how he remains inconsistent and largely unreliable. This would be less problematic if the former Fresno State star was, say, 23 rather than 26.

Watanabe and Bembry are the same age as Watson, but both men have showcased an above-average NBA skill (three-point shooting and versatile defensive play for Watanabe, perimeter defense for Bembry) that they consistently deploy. Watson still carries some upside, but one standout game shouldn’t guarantee anything for next year.

Verdict: Pass

The Toronto Raptors go into next season with just five guaranteed contracts on the books (Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Malachi Flynn, and Chris Boucher). Those remaining 10 roster spots will surely be occupied by some free agent additions, possible re-signings (looking at you, Birch and Trent), and a draft pick.

Next. 2021 NBA Mock Draft 3.0. dark