The Toronto Raptors have put out some carefully leaked notes that hint at major structural changes coming to the organization in the next few months following a painful loss to the Chicago Bulls. Hitting free agency aggressively is one way that Toronto will be able to compete with the big dogs in the Eastern Conference.
They may need to look Western Conference for extra reinforcement, as that side of the NBA world has multiple standout players that will be unattached when their current team’s season comes to a close. The Raptors will likely prioritize those who come from winning cultures and playoff teams.
While Toronto is not typically regarded as a destination that most free agents must check out, they need to show some initiative as they try to take a team that has very clearly flatlined and turn them into a championship contender in a relatively short period of time.
Two of these free agents could make themselves a ton of money in the postseason if they perform well, while one of them has already done so despite injury problems. Simultaneously, they could get Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster so interested in them that Toronto will make them one of their main offseason priorities.
Toronto Raptors free agency: 3 Western playoff names to target
3. Donte DiVincenzo, Golden State Warriors
While DiVincenzo has a player option worth just under $5 million, he should be able to get a much bigger deal if he opts out. Toronto would be a bunch of absolute fools not to consider bringing him in if he hits the open market, as his skillset is what this team needs.
DiVincenzo averaged 9.4 points per game while making 43% of his shots and slightly under 40% of his 3-point attempts. After an up-and-down year split between Milwaukee and Sacramento, DiVincenzo is back on track and playing the best ball of his career.
Toronto Raptors free agency: Donte DiVincenzo is a good shooter.
With or without Fred VanVleet in the mix for next season, the Raptors need guard depth in the worst way. Rather than leaning on Malachi Flynn or the ghost of Will Barton to eat up valuable minutes, a ball-handler and shooter like DiVincenzo can make both of those players redundant.
DiVincenzo is so skilled on the perimeter that he would instantly become Toronto’s best bench creator, assuming that Gary Trent Jr. moves on for greener pastures. He won’t come for free, but there’s reason to believe that the Raptors can add him without an eye-watering number coming up.