4 interesting MLE targets the Raptors should pursue signing

4 interesting MLE targets Raptors should pursue signing

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Nov 2, 2022; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Josh Richardson (7) saves the ball Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Josh Richardson, SF, New Orleans Pelicans

Richardson will likely have a bigger market than many expected, as he could give contending teams a solid bench presence with a proven history of scoring, all without breaking the bank. Playing in San Antonio before a late-season trade to New Orleans hurt his value.

Richardson averaged just over 10 points per game with the Spurs and Pelicans, but it wasn’t too long ago that he was putting up 12 points a game for Dallas and just under 14 per contest with Philadelphia. Richardson still has gas left in the tank at 29 years old, making him a prime MLE target.

Josh Richardson could thrive with the Toronto Raptors.

Even a player like Richardson, who is not necessarily an elite shooter and is coming off a down year, would be a godsend for Toronto. The Raptors don’t have the type of players that can beef up a very deep rotation, though Richardson coming in on a cheap one or two-year deal can play a part in fixing that up.

Richardson at his best can get double digits regularly without dominating the ball. Even in a limited state, the Raptors could finally get the spacing they need for their core group if they bring in a player like Richardson with a contract similar to what Porter got.