The Toronto Raptors’ disappointing tailspin doesn’t end anytime soon. They have a big offseason ahead of them with a vacant head coaching position, a lottery selection to make, and free agency to improve upon their lackluster season.
Coming into the season, Toronto knew they had two key rotation players about to hit free agency with Gary Trent Jr. and Fred VanVleet expected to decline their player options and receive big paydays. The Raptors’ deadline deal to bring back their former top-10 selection Jakob Poeltl adds a third key free agent to the fold.
With their 2024 pick to the Spurs being so lightly protected, rebuilding isn’t an option unless they’re dead set on bottoming out. With Pascal Siakam nearing 30, and both he and OG Anunoby set to become free agents in 2024, the Raptors contending window is closing quickly.
Toronto has some decisions to make this summer and it is arguably the most important offseason for Bobby Webster and Masai Ujiri. With the Raptors looking to make a return to playoff basketball, which of their three top free agents should they look to bring back?
Toronto Raptors: Re-sign or Let walk 3 free agents
C Jakob Poeltl
Instead of selling at the trade deadline, the Raptors surprisingly dealt a first-round pick for the Austrian big man. Ujiri preached patience and believed that they needed to see this core with a true big before making any big decisions.
The trade did solve their center woes as Poeltl averaged 13.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game since re-joining the Raptors. It did make them a better team as Toronto went 15-11 with Poeltl, but adding a non-threat from the perimeter made an already poor shooting team even worse.
The Raptors should prioritize keeping Jakob Poeltl.
Toronto has struggled to find a true rim-protecting center since the departure of Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol. Ujiri finally solved that void by acquiring Poeltl. It would be foolish not to re-sign someone they have been desperately seeking, especially when that player cost you significant draft capital.
At just 27 years old, Poeltl has a lot of good years left in him. Though he doesn’t provide offensively on the perimeter, he is a good anchor to pair with Siakam and Barnes long-term. His game doesn’t rely on athleticism like many players in this league, making it much more comfortable to offer a long-term extension.
Verdict: Re-sign
SG Gary Trent Jr
Acquired in a swap with Norman Powell, Trent was quickly seen as someone who could stick around for the long haul. The Raptors’ decision to give the young guard just a 3-year, $51 million deal with a player option on the third year is why the 24-year-old is already seeking a third contract.
Following the acquisition of Poeltl, Trent saw his role diminished, as he was abruptly moved to the bench. Despite a mid-season lineup change and a decrease in minutes, Trent Jr still averaged 17.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, while shooting 43% from the field and 37% from 3-point range.
The Toronto Raptors should cautiously welcome back Gary Trent Jr.
There’s some concern with Trent as he has shown to be an incredible streaker shooter. Despite becoming a better defender since arriving in Toronto, former head coach Nick Nurse publicly called out Trent’s flaws on the defensive end. Perhaps this could affect his interest in re-signing, but the departure of Nurse likely makes this a non-issue.
Since getting to Toronto, Trent has proven that when he’s in his groove, he is one of the Raptors’ better perimeter shooters. Given his age and the lack of shooting on the roster, Trent should be welcomed back if the price isn’t astronomically high.
Verdict: Re-sign
PG Fred VanVleet
The Fred VanVleet discourse has completely flipped after an All-Star appearance last season. VanVleet has taken a fair share of criticism from much of the fanbase and was often scapegoated for the Raptors’ struggles this season. Prior to the season, VanVleet was reportedly offered a massive nine-figure extension, but mutually agreed with the front office to wait. The Raptors may have dodged a bullet with this decision.
VanVleet’s numbers look solid, as he averaged 19.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. Though his efficiency has never been great, they look even worse this year as he shot just 39% from the field and a career-low 34% from 3. Despite his struggles this year, many teams will likely have interest in the veteran point guard, and he’ll likely get a hefty contract, possibly one that sends him to a different team.
The Toronto Raptors should part ways with Fred VanVleet.
The Raptors shouldn’t pay the contract VanVleet will command in free agency. Toronto currently holds the 13th pick in this year’s draft and has been consistently connected to guards such as Nick Smith Jr, Keyonte George, Cason Wallace, etc. Perhaps they see a VanVleet replacement within their team already and could give full-time point guard duties to Barnes?
Nostalgia aside, the Raptors should have cheaper, younger options to pursue at point guard this offseason. VanVleet will always be remembered for his heart, peskiness, and big-time moments. However, paying a 29-year-old guard coming off a bad year is a good way to welcome financial problems down the line.