The Toronto Raptors are ready for this season to be over, and not only because they're riding a 14-game losing streak. Their current roster has some keepers and a collection of longshot fliers, players who likely won't be a long-term fit on either the Raptors or another NBA team.
This summer the Raptors will be able to reconfigure that roster and add proven NBA players who can help them achieve a higher level of play next season. Toronto is unlikely to all-out tank, so using their copious amounts of cap space to add players that can help them win makes a lot of sense.
If they get a chance to add a star, great, but more likely they will be adding players at a lower tier. Those players can still be a significant help to the Raptors' level play as well as providing a number of tradeable salaries with which to pursue a key target on the trade market.
Which players could the Raptors pursue in free agency? Let's look at four players and unpack why each would be an intriguing fit to add to the roster.
No. 4: Naji Marshall
The New Orleans Pelicans have an embarrassment of riches at the 3 and 4, with a myriad of players of various skill sets. In addition to the on-ball offensive stars of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, and the defensive-minded Dyson Daniels and Herb Jones, they have a pair of 3-and-D forwards in Trey Murphy III and Naji Marshall.
With such a glut of options, it would not be surprising at all if they cannot bring back Marshall in free agency this summer. That could be the opening that the Raptors need to add a player to fit in around Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. The 26-year-old Marshall has an improved 3-point shot and plays tough defense and could be the low-cost role player the Raptors need to fill out the roster either as a starter or reserve.