Saying goodbye to any member of your team is always difficult. However, in the world of basketball, there comes a time when a player’s services are no longer required, and the team must move forward without them.
A multitude of factors can influence that decision, whether it's the impending conclusion of a player's contract, their increasing appeal in the trade market, or simply a misalignment with the roster construction. There is always a larger picture at play.
Speaking of the bigger picture, the Raptors community is looking ahead to 2025, hopeful that the team's Northern grit can rise from the ashes of a disappointing end to 2024. With the new year on the horizon, questions about the Raptors' roster will continue to make headlines, from now until next month's trade deadline and throughout the summer offseason.
Regardless of when these roster decisions are finalized, one thing is certain: these three current members of the Raptors squad will not be around for the entirety of 2025.
Let’s dive right in and take a closer look.
Bruno Fernando
Oh Bruno Fernando, we hardly knew ye.
Unfortunately for the 26-year-old Angolan center, he appears poised to be the first of three Raptors candidates headed out the door in 2025.
Considering Fernando’s contract guarantee date is fast approaching on January 10, he will either be cut before then or the Raptors will opt to keep him and trade him to a contender, as previously suggested by NBA Insider Jake Fischer.
One could argue that Fernando never truly received a fair opportunity in Toronto. Despite numerous chances to be inserted into the rotation due to the Raptors' injuries, he often appeared in the box scores marked as a Coach's Decision - DNP (Did Not Play).
It's evident that the Raptors coaching staff has had, and continues to have, little to no intention of utilizing him, effectively sealing his fate with Toronto as dead in the water.
Chris Boucher
This must be a tough pill for diehard Raptors fans to swallow, as Chris Boucher has long been a key catalyst for the team’s hustle and energy mindset over the years.
Does Boucher play the prettiest style of basketball? Not exactly. But you can be sure that No. 25 will be suiting up for the team, giving his all for whatever minutes he’s on the court, and doing his utmost to support his squad.
It almost seemed as though Boucher was being prepared for departure last month; however, he was ultimately granted a bit more playing time in the Raptors rotation to finish out 2024.
Set to become a free agent this offseason once his $10.8 million contract expires, it seems unlikely that Boucher will don the red, white, or purple jerseys throughout 2025. He holds the distinction of being the last remaining member of the 2019 championship team and has made a lasting impression as a fan favorite during his six seasons with the Raptors.
There is also a silver lining to all of this: Boucher's strong performance this season is likely to attract interest on the trade market. This is a promising sign for the Raptors, as it means they won’t lose him for nothing.
Bruce Brown
This individual exemplifies a player who can invigorate the trade market with his unique skill set.
Although his contract may present challenges for some contenders to match, he is sure to attract considerable interest as the trade deadline approaches. Enter the Raptors’ touch of cowboy chic: Bruce Brown.
The Raptors had to do without Brown in their lineup for what felt like an eternity, until he ultimately made a remarkable comeback to close out December. Despite limited minutes, he has proven to be quite capable, even if he may not justify a $23 million price tag.
Nevertheless, it’s clear that Bruce Brown will be elsewhere sooner rather than later. Any playing time he receives is simply a glimpse of what he can bring to a contending team. Once the right offer comes along, Toronto's front office will be ready to take the plunge.
With Dorian Finney-Smith now in Los Angeles, rival playoff teams will seek alternatives to address their defensive struggles, and Bruce Brown may be the solution they need.
When that trade deadline passes later in February, you can bet that Brown will have packed his bags and saddled up, ready to don a new set of threads.