Since Toronto has cap space available, there’s already a lot of Raptors free agency rumors popping from left to right. It’s still uncertain how they will attack the offseason, but it’s clear that they need some important pieces to become competitive next season.
Raptors free agency rumors 2021
Toronto had a disappointing season which ended their seven straight playoff appearances. The departure of Kyle Lowry is a huge blow but they have the right young pieces and cap space available to sign big names.
Here are some of the Raptors offseason targets in the upcoming free agency…
Gary Trent Jr.
Last March, Gary Trent Jr. was traded to Toronto for Norman Powell. The goal of this trade is to become younger and bank on Trent’s upside. After all, he’s still just 22 years old who’s barely scratching his scoring potential. Trent seamlessly fits their youth movement.
In Toronto, Trent averaged 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 40% on the floor and 36% beyond the arc. As you can see, he’s a huge scoring threat and is bound for a huge pay raise in the upcoming offseason.
Trent is set to become a restricted free agent in the offseason. The Raptors already extended their qualifying offer which means they are willing to re-sign him. Given his scoring and defensive prowess, signing him should be a priority in the Raptors offseason.
Jarrett Allen
One of the biggest Raptors free agency rumors out there is their huge interest in Jarrett Allen. It was reported that the Raptors are considered the biggest threat to sign Allen on free agency.
Allen is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason. He averaged 12.8 points and 10 rebounds on 62% shooting. While Toronto expressed their pursuit in the 6’11” big man, Cleveland won’t let Allen slip that easily. The Cavaliers already extended their qualifying offer for him which means that they can match any offer the Raptors make.
He fits perfectly in Toronto since they are thin in the frontcourt. Signing him means they don’t have to rely on playing small-ball all the time, and finally, they have a legit defensive anchor in the paint.
Richaun Holmes
Another big man on Toronto’s radar is Richaun Holmes. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent. His stellar performance in Sacramento garnered interest from some teams that may be needing a young and athletic big man.
Last season, Holmes averaged 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks on 64% shooting. Toronto’s thin frontcourt may benefit from signing him since he can play above the rim, protect the paint, and rebound.
Holmes’ performance earned him the right to pursue a lucrative contract and a bigger role in the market. He’s still on the radar on the Raptors offseason.
Nerlens Noel
Toronto is one of the teams interested in signing the 6’11” big man in free agency.
Nerlens Noel emerged as one of the best defensive centers in the league. His rim protection is valuable for an undersized team like the Raptors. Last season, Noel averaged 1.1 steals and 2.2 blocks per game. Noel could be the answer for their defensive woes.
Spencer Dinwiddie
Spencer Dinwiddie is also one of the Raptors offseason targets.
The departure of Kyle Lowry leaves a huge hole in Toronto’s guard rotation. Fred VanVleet will now take the reigns as the main point guard. And Spencer Dinwiddie could be the answer as an off-ball guard. After all, he can play the 1 and 2 positions due to his scoring and playmaking ability.
In the 2018-2019 season, Dinwiddie averaged 20.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. He’s clearly on his way to another terrific campaign with the Nets but he suffered a season-ending ACL injury. His injury might lower his value a little bit, but he’s still on their radar.
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