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.

2. The Toronto Raptors sign Masai Ujiri long-term

Masai Ujiri is easily the most important free agent the Raptors have to lock down this summer and Larry Tanenbaum at MLSE has to make the Raptors’ president an offer he cannot refuse.

Reports suggest that the organization is confident that they have a clear path to re-sign not only one of the best executives in the NBA, but in all of sports.

"“Masai doesn’t share a lot; he’s very private and strategic in his own way,” said the source close to MLSE. “But if you were asking ‘Are they going to sign Masai?’ I would put it at 95 per cent yes.” “There is nothing he can get somewhere else he can’t get here,” said the source close to MLSE. “His family loves Toronto. Toronto loves Masai. They’re going to pay him a lot of money. Like, why would he [leave]?”"

For the good of the Raptors’ short and long-term future, Masai needs to be part of the plan. Yes, they have Bobby Webster, but they shouldn’t be that flippant, as they could lose Ujiri and let a potentially unprepared Webster take over.

The Toronto Raptors will lock in their guy long-term

With the Toronto Raptors willing to break the bank and the city of Toronto already giving Masai Ujiri the love and respect he deserves – both sides should be able to come up with an agreement this summer.

Look for the Raptors to want to lock in Ujiri long-term, with the next half-decade certainly in play. Ujiri helped make this team what it is today, and letting him leave because the organization was too slow to act would be an egregious mistake.

1. The Raptors go big game hunting for another star

A healthy Raptors team playing in Toronto is easily a playoff caliber group, but this organization isn’t satisfied with just getting there. With Lowry looking to be on the way out and really ever since the departure of Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors need another player that can be ‘that guy’.

It will be almost impossible to replace the all-around stardom of Kawhi or the veteran savvy and leadership of Kyle, but Toronto needs another player that can be trusted night in and night out to be a heavy contributor while taking some pressure of Pascal Siakam and/or Fred VanVleet.

The Toronto Raptors will land a big fish this summer

As soon as Masai Ujiri signs that contract you know he’ll be ready to roll when it comes to making the Toronto Raptors an immediate contender.

There are several routes this organization could take. Looking at UFAs, reuniting with DeMar DeRozan could be an interesting idea. When it comes to RFAs, athletic forward John Collins or young playmaking guard Lonzo Ball could be great fits. The trade route is always an interesting one to prospect as well if the likes of a Bradley Beal become available.

Look for Toronto Raptors management to swing for the fences in an attempt to bring in another star for this group.

The Toronto Raptors are poised for an organizational changing offseason

After missing the playoffs for the first time in a long time, this offseason is poised to be one to remember for the Toronto Raptors. Whether it be the highest draft pick this organization has had in years or a boatload of cap space on deck, there is a lot to look forward to as well.