3 Raptors who may earn a new 2022 contract with good second half

2. Thad Young

Young may have represented a solid return for another aging impending free agent in Goran Dragic, but that doesn’t change the fact that his stay in Toronto could be short-lived if he is not retained. The Raptors need to see Young play as he did in a win against Minnesota.

Young was efficient inside the paint, capable of securing rebounds against taller post players, and communicating on defense. He might turn 34 next year, but having him around youngsters like Scottie Barnes will be invaluable as Toronto tries to sustain their success.

Thad Young fits with the Toronto Raptors on both ends.

Young might seem like an odd fit to some given how many players on this team are currently playing the same position as him, but the Raptors likely didn’t part with a pick that valuable to acquire Young for a brief 30-game run. Perhaps an expensive one-year deal for next year with an option?

Young is not going to win any scoring titles with the Raptors, but he could play an invaluable role off of the bench for this team. Ujiri is going all-in on this positionless style of basketball, and Young could be a very nice piece to throw into the mix.