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.
2. Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves will likely do everything in their power to retain Reid, who has established himself as a high-end bench player that can be a contributor for years to come in Minnesota. That doesn’t mean teams won’t try everything to seduce him over to Toronto.
Reid is not the type of player that is going to be a high-volume dominator of the ball, yet he is still capable of being productive on the offensive side of the ball. Reid averaged 11.5 points and 4.9 rebounds on 54% shooting, all while showing improvement on the defensive side.
Toronto Raptors free agency: Naz Reid could be a solid bench player.
Both Precious Achiuwa and Chris Boucher are in town, but neither has done enough to establish themselves as indispensable parts of the Raptors future that won’t be bumped out of the rotation. Unless Toronto is highly bullish on Christian Koloko, adding one more big man might be needed.
Reid may not be the most traditional big man, but the movement skills and consistently improved offense has helped a thin Timberwolves team stay the course. If Nick Nurse stays, Reid could run an offense that is likely very similar to what he ran in Minnesota.
Reid’s wrist injury is preventing him from truly shining.
1. Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings
Barnes was viewed as a prime trade target for the longest time due to Sacramento’s ineptitude, but the Kings’ recent run to the postseason (in which Barnes started all 82 games) shows that he is still a tremendous scorer, shooter, and leader on a team with playoff hopes.
He could leave Sacramento in the offseason, as the Kings might move forward with Keegan Murray in a more featured role while saving up to extend younger players on their roster. Toronto could lose a lot of shooting and scoring if Trent leaves, and Barnes will help replace that.
Toronto Raptors mock draft: Harrison Barnes is an impact player.
Barnes averaged 15.0 points per game this season, and that was with Murray, De’Aaron Fox, and Domantas Sabonis taking away shots. In his career with Sacramento, Barnes has shot 47% from the field and just under 39% from 3-point range.
This move isn’t going to happen without some serious intuition and a very active check-signing hand from Ujiri and Webster, but signing a player like Barnes is certainly a better use of Toronto’s time than trying to add another 6-9 who isn’t a very good shooter and trying to work with them.