3 switchable forwards Masai Ujiri and Raptors will love in free agency

Masai Ujiri built the Toronto Raptors with the intent of being one of the nastiest defensive teams in the league. No team values length and switchability more than Toronto, as the selection of Scottie Barnes and the addition of Precious Achiuwa shows a commitment to this unique style of play.

Toronto is going into the offseason with two more 6-8 forwards in Thad Young and Chris Boucher hitting the open market, though there is a case to be made for retaining both of them. With their Bird Rights in Toronto’s possession, Ujiri might be able to bring those two back.

If he misses out on one or both of them, look for Ujiri to peruse the free agent market and find players that could fill their old roles from a physical perspective. Abandoning such a heavy commitment to one type of forward after a successful campaign last year would be very foolish.

The Raptors need to keep an eye on these three veteran free agents. If Young and Boucher find contracts elsewhere, Ujiri will need to act fast if he wants to get one of these experienced veterans in a red and black jersey before 2022-23.

Toronto Raptors: 3 versatile forwards Masai Ujiri could sign

3. Kyle Anderson, Memphis Grizzlies

Anderson and his uniquely deliberate style of play have been on quite the roller coaster ride over the last two years. After averaging a career-high 12.4 points per game two years ago, his scoring dropped to 7.6 per game as Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks started to break out. His tenure in Memphis could come to a close.

Anderson has seen his playing time fluctuate in Memphis, but it’s hard to argue with a 48% percentage from the field and a 33% success rate from 3-point range. While not a fantastic defender, he can certainly hold his own across multiple positions. Anderson would fit like a glove in Toronto.

Kyle Anderson could fit the Toronto Raptors’ scheme perfectly.

While he has the height and weight of a small-ball center, Anderson’s mobility will allow him to help the Raptors on the perimeter as a power forward, traditional small forward, and oversized off-ball wing. He can be impactful without dominating the ball on the offensive side.

Anderson will not be on many highlight-reel tapes, but he’s the type of savvy veteran that contending teams always seem to have on their bench. Retaining Young is the top priority, but Anderson could make for a very solid replacement if Thad gets a better deal elsewhere.