The Toronto Raptors chose not to pursue any players available on the buyout market, choosing instead to fill their final roster spot by signing G League shooter Joe Wieskamp to a multi-year contract. As such, top players like Will Barton were not given the time of day by Masai Ujiri and the front office.
Barton was let go by the Washington Wizards, who are fighting alongside the Raptors as they try to pursue a postseason spot. Contenders like the Boston Celtics were circling overhead, trying to lure Barton over to their side. After all, you can never have enough shooting.
Barton joining Boston would be a nightmare for Toronto, as they are both division rivals and a potential No. 1 or No. 2 seed that the Raptors could face if they manage to make it out of the play-in festivities. Luckily, it doesn’t sound like Barton will be wearing a green jersey anytime soon.
According to Celtics reporter Brian Robb of MassLive.com, Barton is “likely to pursue more playing time with a different playoff team.” Toronto may not have any championship prospects this season, so living vicariously through whoever takes down a rival like Boston or Philadelphia might be the most fun course of action.
https://twitter.com/LegionHoops/status/1628103009883258898
NBA rumors: Will Barton likely not join Toronto Raptors rival
On one hand, Barton was averaging just 7.7 points per game with Washington in his age-32 season. That doesn’t exactly scream “championship bench player.” However, Barton is fresh off averaging 14.2 points per game while making 37% of his 3-point attempts in his last five seasons with Denver.
Barton might be more worth considering in the offseason, when the Raptors will almost assuredly move off one of their big contracts and free up space. Barton would help a team like the Raptors, who appear to be one more quality bench sniper away from having a fairly robust rotation.
The unfortunate reality of the situation is that he wouldn’t leave Washington to join a team that is also fighting for their playoff lives in Toronto. At least he’s not heading to Boston! A small victory in a season with fewer than most expected.
https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/1584355714784378881
The Raptors will have their hands full with Boston in any hypothetical playoff matchup, but seeing the thought of Barton playing his usual style off the bench reduced from the equation had to make the Raptors feel much better about their overall chances of making a run.