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Raptors 19-Player Depth Chart and Roster Needs after Draft and Free Agency

The Toronto Raptors have a packed roster after the draft and free agency, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have holes. How do things stand and what is next?

By Josh Cornelissen

Jose Alvarado, New Orleans Pelicans and Davion Mitchell, Sacramento Kings
Jose Alvarado, New Orleans Pelicans and Davion Mitchell, Sacramento Kings / Thearon W. Henderson/GettyImages
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Shooting Guard:

Bruce Brown, Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, Garrett Temple, Ja'Kobe Walter, Javon Freeman-Liberty

What Happened: The Raptors' decision to pick up the $23 million team option on Bruce Brown was the swing factor in their offseason, as it ensured they would be operating as an "over the cap" team rather than signing players with cap space. Knowing they would make that move informed their moves at the draft, filling out the roster by taking on money from the Sacramento Kings and drafting four players.

Despite having recent draft picks at the position in Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji as well, the Raptors drafted another off-guard in Ja'Kobe Walter, someone who possesses the upside to combine both shooting and defense in the perfect 3-and-D package. The Raptors also have not waived the non-guaranteed contract of Javon Freeman-Liberty, who got some run last year in the midst of all the injuries, and they re-signed veteran guard Garrett Temple to be a rarely-used veteran mentor.

The decision they made that doesn't show up in the transaction list is to not extend an offer to unrestricted free agent Gary Trent Jr. who is now stuck languishing on the open market and may have to accept a minimum contract from another team.

What's Next: The biggest move still awaiting the team this offseason is finding a trade partner for Bruce Brown. On the one hand, his $23 million expiring contract can be a valuable piece in a deal to help match salary, either bringing them back to Toronto or helping to facillitate another team's deal. On the other, many teams are limited in what they can trade because they are in, avoiding or hard-capped by the second tax apron.

The Raptors also need to decide who will start alongside Immanuel Quickley in the backcourt. Brown has the most standing if he is still on the roster, but he also proved to be a poor fit with this group last year. The shooting of Gradey Dick may be welcome, but he will need to take a step forward defensively. Agbaji and Walter seem like longshots but will be in the mix for rotation minutes.

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