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3 former Toronto Raptors that could return to Canada this offseason

By Matthew Eichhorn

TORONTO, ON - MAY 15: Bismack Biyombo #8 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates late in the second half of Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Miami Heat during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre on May 15, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 15: Bismack Biyombo #8 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates late in the second half of Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Miami Heat during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre on May 15, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Bismack Biyombo, Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – MAY 27: Bismack Biyombo #8 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

This offseason has the makings to be a franchise-altering time for the Toronto Raptors. With one foot in the door of a rebuild, the other keeping the window for playoff contention open, the Raptors front office will have their hands full when it comes to what direction they want to take their team.

With multiple areas in need of improvement, the Raptors will have a plethora of options in how they approach this year’s free agency class. With big names on the move every day and contracts being signed at a breakneck pace, the Raptors will need to get their elbows up and dive headfirst into the brawl that is NBA free agency in order to get ahead of the competition.

But in life, sometimes you must look back in order to move forward. This is the case for the Raptors this offseason as there are several big-name players that will be free agents this summer who formerly donned the red, black, and white.

While it would seem All-stars Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan may be out of reach, here are three former Raptors who fans could soon return to Canada.

3 former Toronto Raptors players who could return in 2021.

3. C Bismack Biyombo

A high-energy rim protector, Biyombo put up some solid numbers and earned plenty of compliments during his time in Toronto, largely in part to his play against the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals.

After spending the past three seasons as a member of the Hornets, Biyombo owns career averages of 6.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. The Congolese big man plays with a tremendous amount of energy and pace, able to make big plays on the defensive end and run the court in transition following the play.

Could Bismack Biyombo return to the Raptors?

Now with the Raptors lacking depth at the center position, this could be the perfect time for a reunion.

He would fit in tremendously with the current Raptors squad, as he is able to play tight defense inside the paint while adding a legit rim rocking ability on the other end. While he may not be a bucket-getter, Biyombo plays well within his role, playing strong defense and setting tough screens to create space for perimeter players on the other end.

At 28 years old (29 by the start of the 2021-22 season), he could be a valuable piece for the Raptors to incorporate for seasons to come after this year. With his mixture of size, strength, and athleticism, Biyombo’s return to the Raptors could be perfect timing for both parties.