The Toronto Raptors are an exceedingly patient organization. Often to a fault, they are willing to let young draft picks marinate on the bench with the hope they will eventually break out and make good on their potential. Former first-round pick Malachi Flynn is benefitting from this directive.
After playing very well during his rookie season in Tampa, Flynn has found it very difficult to hold down a starting (or backup) role in the NBA. The recently departed Dalano Banton overtook him in the rotation multiple times, and even Jeff Dowtin was topping him by the end of the season.
With the roster full of guaranteed contracts following the signing of Garrett Temple, the Raptors may still make one or two trades. The oft-injured Otto Porter Jr. and Flynn are eating up space despite their minimal production, and Dowtin clearly has fans within the organization.
The Raptors could easily decide to get rid of Flynn, running with a group of ball-handlers that includes Scottie Barnes, new signing Dennis Schroder, and Dowtin. Will there be a team out there who is interested in taking a chance on someone who has struggled with scoring?
Love having my brother @malachiflynn in the gym and around our guys! True professional and the hardest worker I’ve ever been around! Headed into year 4 with the Toronto Raptors… pic.twitter.com/UL23bgBCX5
— Steven Shpreyregin (@coachstevenSU) July 31, 2023
Will the Toronto Raptors trade Malachi Flynn?
On top of the fact that Flynn has averaged just 4.5 points per game in the last two seasons and started just seven games, he has only connected on 37% of his shots in his Raptors career. This is a far cry from the Mountain West Player of the Year we saw at San Diego State.
Flynn has a very aesthetically pleasing, creative game, but he has been unable to evolve his finishing or passing ability. His defense showed promise, but it was far from being lockdown. Throw all that in with being an undersized guard at 6-1, and there are factors working against him.
A fresh start is best for both parties. Not only would Flynn get to revitalize his career with a different organization, but the Raptors can essentially confirm that Dowtin will be on the roster. If the Raptors can get a second-round pick for Flynn, that should be viewed as a huge win.
The Raptors need to be realistic about Flynn, who has shown little to no starting potential despite the fact he is entering his fourth professional season. Perhaps some other teams might be willing to get him in their system and see what he has left.