3 Raptors set for enhanced roles once Pascal Siakam trade is finalized

1. PF Scottie Barnes

The gloves are off now. The Raptors have expressly confirmed that this team is going to belong to Barnes and Barnes alone in the next few years. Masai Ujiri's next rebuilding project will only be as successful as Scottie ends up being, as he will drive Toronto's style of play on both ends of the floor.

While Barnes benefitted from playing alongside a gravitational force like Siakam, the opposing team's best defensive player will not be focused squarely on him. That's a tall task for a player as young as Barnes, but Toronto made these moves with the intention of Scottie eventually making that leap.

The Toronto Raptors are dependent on Scottie Barnes becoming a star.

Barnes has become a much better defender this season, all while maintaining his excellent playmaking ability and scorching the nets from 3-point range. His numbers this year are fantastic, but the transition from fringe All-Star to All-Star lock will need to happen sooner rather than later.

The Raptors wouldn't make this move if they didn't think Barnes could be a primary option on a team with championship aspirations. Barnes has all the talent in the world, and it's on him and the coaching staff to put together a plan that helps him get the most out of himself.