After choosing to hold on to several of their top pieces despite not being in contention the last couple of seasons, the Toronto Raptors fanbase was rightfully concerned. Waiting too long to sell on valuable assets can be a costly mistake, and it would have been disheartening to see the Raptors waste such a big opportunity.
Instead, fans can breathe a sigh of relief now that Toronto has officially offloaded OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam. The front office can shift their focus toward re-building the roster around rising star Scottie Barnes. To once again rise to the level of a perennial Eastern Conference contender, the Raptors will need to address a few needs.
They could use a defensive-minded point guard, a starting-caliber frontcourt player and wing players who can stretch the floor. With that in mind, these are a few upcoming free agents that should be on Toronto's wish list this summer.
Jrue Holiday
When talking about point guards that are skilled defensively, what better place to start than with arguably the best defensive point guard in the association? After picking up his second career All-Star selection last season while with the Bucks, Holiday was dealt to the Celtics a few short weeks before the 2023-24 season began.
His contributions are part of what has pushed Boston to comfortably holding the best record in the association this season. Jrue will look to become part of yet another championship team with the Celtics. But if his new squad is unable to get the job done this year, Holiday could have some questions about his future.
He will have a player option with Boston for next season. If he opts out, he would certainly be worth pursuing for Toronto. The only question about Jrue's fit would involve his high price tag. Holiday is on a backloaded contract and will be owed $37.3 million next season.