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.
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.
2. Lonnie Walker, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
When Walker gets on his knees to pray every night, he needs to thank the basketball gods for that miraculous Game 4 in the Lakers’ upset victory over the Golden State Warriors. His performance in that game could help him earn a multi-year contract with a contending team.
Walker averaged 11.7 points per game this season while making 36% of his 3-pointers, though the increase in efficiency was due to superstars like LeBron James attracting so much defensive attention all the time. He won’t get that in Toronto, but that shouldn’t necessarily deter the Raptors.
Lonnie Walker could be a stud for the Toronto Raptors.
Walker showed an ability to produce for a team that went deep into the postseason, expanded his array of shot-making tools, and provided adequate to above-average defensive effort in both the regular season and playoffs. That sounds like a Raptor to me.
Walker will not come cheap, as he will use his playoff run to beef up his value. Despite that, the Raptors need to use every cent of MLE money at their disposal to chase him and convince him to come up north.
1. Bruce Brown, SF, Denver Nuggets
There is more evidence than ever that suggests Brown makes your team better, no matter what position he plays. As an undersized forward for the KD-Kyrie Nets or a more traditional guard for the Western Conference finalist Nuggets, Brown is as versatile as they come.
After emerging as a solid NBA starter in Brooklyn, Brown had the best year of his career in Denver. Brown averaged 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game this season, all while playing terrific defense and helping Denver’s bench remain intact amid constant changing.
Bruce Brown could be a perfect signing for the Toronto Raptors.
What makes Brown such a tremendous talent is the fact that he can come right in and make an impact as either a VanVleet deputy, Porter replacement, or traditional shooting guard. However, he may have played his way out of a one-year deal and could be looking for more financial security.
The Raptors should be the team that gives that contract to him. He has all of the traits Ujiri loves to look for and is fresh off playing a pivotal role on one of the best teams in the league. Getting him with MLE money would be a dream.