3 Free agents still available to Raptors a month into free agency

No. 1: Robert Covington

The Raptors could go after a project in Aleksej Pokusevski, or a "second draft" option in Kevin Knox who is still in his prime. The other option is to add a veteran contributor who can help them if they want to push for a playoff spot this season.

If that's the plan, a versatile defender like Robert Covington makes a lot of sense. The onetime find of the Process-era Philadelphia 76ers, Covington has gone from a low-usage player to a no-usage player, but he is still an incredible defensive playmaker and switch defender who can guard multiple positions, including center as a small-ball big.

Covington was among the league leaders in Defensive Box Plus-Minus last season despite playing his age-33 season, and while his 3-point accuracy took a downturn, he is just one season removed from hitting 39.7 percent with the LA Clippers in 2022-23.

A do-it-all defender who can shoot from outside and shore up multiple positions would be exactly the right kind of addition for a Raptors team trying to win now, and as Covington has languished on the market it appears clear no team is bringing him in on a guaranteed deal. The Raptors can sign him, give him a shot in training camp, and if he still has it guarantee his deal.

There are multiple paths the Raptors can take heading out of the summer; none of them are truly exciting, but each offers a kernel of upside that is worth pursuing. Perhaps they hit a home run, perhaps they hit a single, or perhaps they strike out, but if you don't step up to the plate you won't get anything.