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4 interesting MLE targets Raptors should pursue signing

ByMike Luciano|
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 22: Gabe Vincent #2 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Kaseya Center on April 22, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 22: Gabe Vincent #2 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Kaseya Center on April 22, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
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The Toronto Raptors need to be more active on the free agency market than ever before, as this team needs bench talent as badly as any playoff team or fringe contender in the league. The mid-level exception (MLE) could help them entice players to come to Toronto with some extra cash.

While Otto Porter Jr. came to town with plenty of bombast, the injury bug bit him hard and limited him to just a handful of games. With Porter’s status in the rotation for this year unclear, the Raptors need to make sure they plan for him missing time again by adding another quality bench piece.

This could come in the form of an experienced wing player that can supplement Porter, a versatile switchblade who can fill a variety of roles, or a traditional backup point guard that can make it so Fred VanVleet finally has a backup that is worth a damn at the professional level.

Any one of these four players could make for fantastic Raptors, as they could be brought in via the MLE and start producing on both ends of the floor without too much time to get adjusted. Ujiri being passive could lead to these four all going elsewhere.

4 mid-level exception targets for the Toronto Raptors.

4. Gabe Vincent, PG, Miami Heat

Fine, I’ll admit it. There might be something to this “Heat Culture” thing. After advancing to the Conference Finals without Tyler Herro or Victor Oladipo due to players like Vincent stepping up when called upon, Erik Spoelstra is going a hell of a job coaching this squad.

Still, a payday elsewhere might prompt Vincent to bolt Miami for greener pastures. In Toronto, he would immediately be the team’s backup point guard while competing with Precious Achiuwa to be the first player off the bench. He put forth arguably his best season ever in 2022-23.

The Toronto Raptors could sign Gabe Vincent.

Vincent averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 assists per game during the last two seasons while nailing 35% of his 3-pointers. That may not sound like world-beating production, but it would make him the best backup guard the Raptors have had in years without even a moment of hesitation.

The Raptors have done well by plucking one of Miami’s more prized assets in Precious Achiuwa, developing him into a terrific defender. Vincent might not have the highest upside due to his average shooting and physical profile, but he has played in big games and hit some enormous shots for Miami.