The Toronto Raptors’ offseason has only just started and the rumor mill has already begun to swirl when it comes to the draft, free agency, and trades this organization should pursue. There are tons of names being thrown out there when it comes to all aspects of this offseason and some are much more realistic than others.
When it comes to free agency, sometimes getting a few solid pieces for the rotation is as good if better than getting one semi-star. The Raptors have plenty of holes to fill, and going for the cheaper route might help them improve whilst saving money.
Especially when it comes to an organization like the Toronto Raptors where a strong core is intact with a few all-star quality players.
This offseason is a pivotal one for the Toronto Raptors and although a long-term outlook is always best – Masai Ujiri may be willing to take some fliers on a few players who have shown dominance in the past. Here are 3 names that could join the Raptors next year on 1-year deals.
These 3 players could end up with the Toronto Raptors on 1-year deals.
3. Spencer Dinwiddie
Spencer Dinwiddie‘s 2020-2021 season ended before it started, only getting to suit up for 3 games with the Brooklyn Nets. An ACL tear is nothing to sneeze at and although he should be ready to roll for next season, sometimes a player can never return to pre-tear form.
Dinwiddie had improved steadily since joining the Nets and became one of the most underrated guards in the Eastern Conference despite being a backup for most of his tenure. Now with the ‘Big 3’ cemented in Brooklyn, there may be no more room for his services.
Spencer Dinwiddie can regain his form with the Toronto Raptors.
Dinwiddie will more likely than not wave his player option, not only for an increased payday, but playing time. If he truly believes the ACL is back in form, he should have no problem taking a 1-year “prove it” deal to show he can be the player he was before the injury.
Dinwiddie won’t get a boatload of money if he hits free agency this summer, but if he plays as he did before the injury, he could in 2022.
The fit with the Raptors could be perfect. With Kyle Lowry more likely than not on the way out, another veteran guard to suit up next to Fred VanVleet on the starting lineup would be a seamless transition. This way, rookie guards Malachi Flynn and Jalen Harris could have one more year to develop on the second unit and the Raptors could remain competitive next season.
2. Justise Winslow
Justise Winslow is no stranger to the ups and downs that sometimes comes with being a professional basketball player. The touted Duke star was the 10th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft and earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors before his career began to be derailed by injuries.
When Winslow can play and is given minutes he has shown serious promise to be an impact player in an NBA lineup. The 25-year-old swingman is a versatile piece who can get it done on both ends of the floor. Winslow can put up stats with his hard-nosed style of play, but he is also a defensive clamp who has routinely been put on the opponent’s best player in the past.
Justise Winslow could obtain consistency with the Toronto Raptors.
Winslow has been hard-pressed to get consistent minutes in recent seasons with his injuries taking him in and out of the lineup. Memphis very well may choose to retain the young player with the club option, but it is more than possible they cut him loose as well.
Winslow is a swiss army knife who could bounce around the Raptors’ lineup in different roles, but always maintain consistent playing time if he can display his offensive and defensive acumen. Winslow would fit right into the Raptors culture with his defensive mindset and work ethic. Nick Nurse would love this guy.
1. Serge Ibaka
Wouldn’t this be something? Serge Ibaka‘s relationship with the Los Angeles Clippers seems to be dwindling (along with his playing time). Ibaka went from starting every game to being almost completely out of the rotation this season and has had spats with teammates and coaches alike.
Ibaka has by no means lost his touch and can still be a contributing center in the NBA. Always hard to play against and a proven playoff performer, it seems strange that the Clippers are turning away from his services. He’s got a player option for next year, but he might choose to opt out and return to Canada.
Serge Ibaka could renew a relationship with the Toronto Raptors.
Depending on how the rest of the playoff campaign goes for the Clippers, Ibaka may be more than willing to decline his PO for next season. The separation with the Raptors didn’t exactly work out for either side and if both parties can swallow their pride, a reunion could be a perfect fit.
Ibaka still is a capable starter, but could also come off the bench for Khem Birch if needed. A great mentor to the younger players on this roster no matter what position they play, Serge could have a huge impact on Birch’s future.
If the Raptors believe they are a playoff-caliber team when healthy and a veteran guy who has already won a title with this group would be a no-brainer.
The Toronto Raptors could take a peek at any of these names this offseason.
Look for the Raptors to do their due diligence on all options this offseason and these 3 names are no exception. These players are all veteran guys who could have immediate impacts on a team that has deep playoff aspirations.
Some may argue that this group needs another superstar to get them over the edge, but sometimes chemistry and depth can surpass that.