The Toronto Raptors might not be done finalizing their roster despite trading Goran Dragic to the San Antonio Spurs for Thad Young. After waiving big man Drew Eubanks, the Raptors still have one vacant NBA roster spot with more financial wiggle room to play with.
One move that would make a ton of sense would be converting two-way wing Justin Champagnie into a proper NBA player by giving him a new contract. Bringing back DJ Wilson also can’t be ruled out.
However, the Raptors may choose to eschew Wilson, keep Champagnie on a cheaper deal, and sign some proven veteran help before the postseason.
Even in last year’s lost season in Tampa, Toronto was able to add Khem Birch after a buyout. Birch parlayed that stint with the Raptors into a three-year contract this offseason. Perhaps another player makes a strong enough impression on this front office to warrant consideration for a new multi-year deal?
Now is the time of year when veteran players are forced off of underperforming teams with the aid of providing a bench presence for postseason squads. If Masai Ujiri is proactive enough in chasing down some of these veterans, the Raptors could add a productive player to their bench.
3 low-risk veteran free agents for the Toronto Raptors.
3. Derrick Favors
Favors is currently a spot starter in Oklahoma City, but his minutes per game have fallen to just 16.8 per contest. That is due to the Thunder playing their young players at the expense of veterans. Toronto still needs a rim protector, and Favors could help provide that if OKC buys him out.
While Favors stands 6-9, his 265-pound frame and 7-4 wingspan should help him be a better interior presence and rebounder than some of the bigs on this roster. Favors was nearly averaging a double-double as recently as two seasons ago, and that skill in the post could help Toronto out.
Toronto Raptors rumors: Derrick Favors would provide size, rebounding.
While Birch had some nice minutes against Denver, he has been struggling to provide a consistent scoring punch of late. Favors has a slightly higher offensive ceiling while being as good or better on the defensive end. From a fit perspective, he would make a ton of sense.
Favors, who has spent most of his career in Utah, could look to join a team with better immediate championship prospects than the Raptors. However, if he decides to spurn those contenders and link up with Toronto after a buyout, he should push his way into the rotation.