Return or Burn: 4 guards Raptors could part with in offseason

3. SG Will Barton

Barton suffered from the same anxiousness that Otto Porter Jr. appeared to catch during his first ill-fated games with the Raptors, as the shooter has proven to be somewhat hesitant to let it rip. However, his performance against Denver was fairly encouraging for a player who arrived in town a week ago.

Barton may not be the leaper or bench sparkplug that he was with the Nuggets, and his performance with the Wizards suggests that a steep regression may have already happened, there is still plenty about his game to like. Barton could come back for 2023-24 if he impresses.

Are the Toronto Raptors going to keep Will Barton?

Barton mentioned that one of the main reasons that he chose to go to Toronto over a handful of teams with better records that would have some interest in him was his past history with Raptors assistant coach Earl Watson. Perhaps that connection could lead to a second contract?

Barton is a limited player at this stage in his career, but the Raptors could do much worse than a veteran sniper that can shoot close to 40% from 3-point range. If the price is right, Barton will retain his spot in the Toronto rotation next year.

Verdict: Return