Potential Raptors buyout target now off the market, joining Wizards

The Toronto Raptors still have one open roster spot after dealing away Goran Dragic and waiving Drew Eubanks, and many expect Masai Ujiri to use that slot on either converting Justin Champagnie’s two-way deal or signing a win-now veteran. If he is opting for the latter path, point guard Tomas Satoransky would’ve made sense.

After some very disheartening performances in New Orleans, Satoransky was acquired by the San Antonio Spurs and subsequently bought out. Satoransky, along with those who are bullish on his potential, is gambling on the idea that playing in a scheme that suits his skill set better than what Willie Green had in New Orleans could get him hot.

If Satoransky is indeed the player we saw in Chicago over the last two years, joining the Raptors and their depleted bench would make a ton of sense. Unfortunately, it looks like Toronto was beaten to the post by another team trying to make some noise in the play-in tournament.

Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Satoransky is expected to head to Washington and join the Wizards, who traded away Spencer Dinwiddie and Aaron Holiday at the trade deadline. If the Raptors want to use that 15th roster spot to add a veteran backcourt presence, they are running out of viable options.

The Toronto Raptors missed out on Tomas Satoransky.

Why would the Raptors want someone who is shooting just 29% from the field and 16% from 3-point range this season? Well, considering how he has performed over the past four seasons, it’s fair to assume that his dip in production is the result of a small sample size rather than any firm establishment of the player he is now.

Over the last four years, Satoransky has averaged 8.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game on 48/37/83 shooting percentages. Even if he doesn’t hit those benchmarks, adding a 6-7 guard that can handle the ball, defend multiple positions, and avoid costly turnovers would be welcomed on this Raptors team dealing with injuries.

Dalano Banton saw his playing time sliced in half after a poor performance against Charlotte and Malachi Flynn has been inconsistent all season long. Satoransky wouldn’t have been a complete game-changer, but he would’ve provided a veteran presence and passing skills.

Satoransky coming off the bench alongside Chris Boucher and Thad Young would help the league’s worst unit take a massive step towards respectability in that area. Now that he’s off to help Washington climb back into the playoff hunt, Toronto faces the prospect of missing out on adding a vet that can aid this roster.