Haywood Highsmith and 4 Free Agents the Raptors will definitely regret not signing

No. 4: Naji Marshall

If the Raptors were in the market for a versatile defensive forward, and they should have been, Naji Marshall was another name that jumps out. Marshall signed a bargain deal in free agency to join the Dallas Mavericks and replace Derrick Jones Jr. The former New Orleans Pelicans forward agreed to a deal worth merely $27 million over three seasons, a bargain for a player who can both knock down shots and play exellent defense.

The Pelicans simply didn't have room for him, with four starter-level forwards already on the roster and nowhere near enough minutes to go around. They could have brought him back, too, but being buried on the Pelicans' depth chart likely wasn't appealing. Hence, he signed with the Mavericks and will compete with P.J. Washington for the final starting spot.

The Raptors could have offered the full mid-level exception to Marshall and offered a role likely larger than that of a crowded Dallas roster. He could have started at the 3 with RJ Barrett sliding back to shooting guard, and then moved between the 3 and 4 as lineups necessitated. He is a much better perimeter defender than Scottie Barnes, and would have provided some defensive utility as a backup 4.

If the Raptors were trying to win over the next two seasons, Marshall would have been an excellent addition.