The Toronto Raptors are set to enter a very critical offseason. The team is looking for a new head coach after firing Nick Nurse, and its roster might have some new faces next season.
For now, however, it seems like people across the league are unsure of what the Raptors are going to do.
“The Toronto Raptors, just like at the trade deadline — nobody’s really sure what they’re doing,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said. “But if they decide to rebuild, which is absolutely on the table, it could make a huge difference in the player availability market.”
Windhorst went on to mention that players like Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby could shake up the power balance in the league if they were to become available in the offseason.
VanVleet can become a free agent this offseason by declining the player option he holds for the 2023-24 campaign. The one-time All-Star would undoubtedly have plenty of suitors if he were to hit the open market. He’s coming off a season in which he recorded 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game.
Siakam is entering the final year of his deal after recording 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game this season. If the Raptors were to make the two-time All-NBA selection available, he would surely command a massive return. That package would likely help the Raptors jump-start a rebuild around Scottie Barnes.
As for Anunoby, he is under contract for next season and holds a player option for the 2024-25 campaign. He’s been frequently mentioned in trade rumors over the last year, and he could easily be a player the Raptors look to move this offseason. A team like the Golden State Warriors would surely love to acquire him.
One player that Windhorst didn’t mention but could be on his way out of Toronto is Gary Trent Jr. The sharpshooter also holds a player option for next season and seems poised to decline it.
While he doesn’t seem to be as valued as VanVleet, Siakam and Anunoby, Trent would be a solid addition for any team across the league.
Only time will tell what ends up occurring for the Raptors, but it looks like some big shake-ups might be on the way.
