Toronto Raptors dealt big blow with Richaun Holmes expected to stay

The Toronto Raptors have finally answered the litany of questions surrounding who they would take with the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and now they need to refocus on addressing their lack of depth at the center position. A player like Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes looks like someone who could fill that void.

After plucking him in relative anonymity following stints with Philadelphia and Phoenix, Holmes has emerged as one of the more consistent interior scorers in the West. Holmes might look to cash in and leave a Kings team stuck in the basement of the Pacific Division.

Unfortunately, based on the direction Sacramento went in during the Draft and their own desire to improve, Holmes may not be on the move after all.

Per Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, Holmes is expected to return to the Kings despite interest from the Knicks, Mavericks, and Raptors. With the Hornets adding Mason Plumlee and Kai Jones on draft day, Holmes might not have as robust of a market outside of Sacramento as many thought.

It might be tough to find out that another top center is off of the board, but Toronto might be better off letting him go, especially when you consider his asking price.

The Toronto Raptors may miss out on Richaun Holmes.

Holmes averaged 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game last year. With Toronto still lacking a true center due to Khem Birch also ending up on the free-agent market, the move makes sense from a hit point of view, as his ultra-consistent floater, rim-rocking dunks, and quality rebounding all sound like things the Raptors need.

However, Holmes is reportedly looking for a four-year deal that pays him around $20 million per season. With the need to resign Gary Trent Jr. now a major priority, Holmes might be too much of a financial burden considering the numbers he put up last year.

The Kings took Baylor point guard Davion Mitchell with the No. 9 overall pick in the draft, which was a bit of a surprise considering how many expected Sacramento to draft a big man. Still, with Marvin Bagley III likely the starting power forward next year, the Kings may have some renewed vigor in their pursuit of Holmes.

Despite his high block numbers, Holmes isn’t the best defensive center in the world, as the Kings sported one of the worst interior and overall defensive units in the entire league with Holmes in the middle of it all. If the Raptors want to spend big on a center, Jarrett Allen may be a better option.

This isn’t to say that Holmes wouldn’t be a welcome addition to the Raptors. He offers a higher offensive ceiling than Birch and he’ll turn 28 in October. However, it sounds like Sacramento is willing to overpay in order to keep him, meaning Toronto must divert their attention elsewhere.