Toronto Raptors: 3 bold predictions for a pivotal offseason

The Toronto Raptors’ offseason has officially begun and much more early than most hoped and/or expected. The Raptors’ 2021 campaign was one of ups and downs with much more of the latter than the former, but there is still plenty to be hopeful about.

Players like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby seemingly took a step in their development and finished their individual seasons off strong. Rookies Malachi Flynn and Jalen Harris showed promise playing heavy minutes to end the season.

Newcomer Khem Birch has made a sizeable difference and looks interested in staying a Raptor long-term. When healthy, the Raptors looked deadly at times last year, and there is reason to believe they can replicate that performance in 2021-22.

This summer is sure to be an enticing one for the Raptors. As much as there are positives to take out and excuses to make for this failed season, there is no denying the fact that this roster needs a revamping in order to become a force in the Eastern Conference again. Here are 3 bold predictions for a pivotal Raptors offseason.

3 bold predictions for the Toronto Raptors’ offseason

1. Kyle Lowry moves… but not where you think.

In a sad ending to his Raptors’ career, it looks like Kyle Lowry has played his last game for the Raptors. Sitting out the majority of the games since the NBA Trade Deadline and being in Tampa made the GROAT’s curtain call a fairly anticlimactic one.

Lowry had a classic Kyle season, however, and was consistent all across the board when he did lace them up. There’s no doubt there will be interest in the veteran floor general when free agency comes around and seemingly more widely spread than the three favorites at the trade deadline.

The Toronto Raptors’ veteran will move to a new organization.

At this year’s trade deadline the three favorites and most interested teams in Lowry were the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. A deal couldn’t be agreed upon, but all of these organizations seem like they will circle back when the offseason starts.

This summer will have plenty more suitors though that may have more cap space or more to offer intangible wise for the veteran guard. At the end of the day, there will be organizations that can offer just as much or more than the previous three organizations mentioned.

Look for Kyle to seriously consider some dark horse candidates like the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers. The Knicks and Clippers both need a star point to take them over the top, and Lowry should be able to provide that.