The Raptors won’t pick up Malachi Richardson‘s fourth-year option for the 2019/20 season, reports Michael Scotto of The Athletic (via Twitter). The decision ensures that Richardson will become an unrestricted free agent during the summer of 2019.
[RELATED: Decisions On 2019/20 Rookie Scale Options]
Richardson, the 22nd overall pick in 2016, was acquired by the Kings on draft night and spent a season and a half in Sacramento before being sent to the Raptors at last season’s trade deadline. The former Syracuse standout was never able to establish a consistent role with the Kings and hasn’t played much in Toronto either, appearing in just six games for the club since February’s trade.
The $2,581,597 cap hit on Richardson’s 2019/20 option was modest, but every dollar will count for the Raptors, especially if they’re able to re-sign Kawhi Leonard — in that scenario, the team would almost certainly be in luxury tax territory, so replacing Richardson with a minimum-salary player would create substantial savings.
While the Raptors have yet to make an official announcement on 2019/20 rookie scale options, their other decisions are easy ones, as they’ll surely be picking up the options for Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.
“they’ll surely be picking up the options for Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.” But why? Anunoby is useless and Siakam not much better.
Because when you are a team that’s spending as much as Toronto and you have guys like OG and Siakam that have shown some promise it’s worth it to keep them around for cheap
There are 30 NBA teams who’d disagree with you on that.
Luke dropping truth bombs!
You are either joking or have never watched a basketball game in your life. Both players are studs.
Wow you either never seen the raptors play or you’re related to Malachi.
I’ve seen some bad takes on here, but this one wins for worst of the year.
Wow.
I assume you’ve never seen either player actually play, but you could have at least quickly checked even a single box score.
The worst? you must have never read a dionis post Lol
True!
Oh, I forgot they resigned Looney and picked up Jones’ option, too. Warriors’ FO must be a dumpster fire.
Raptors need the extra roster spot plus the future savings.
Their G-League team has really helped a bunch of their younger players, and helped to develop a few guys into decent big league ballers (Malcolm Miller, Lorenzo Brown… drafted guys like VanVleet and Siakim have done well after playing a bunch).
I’d think that they’d look to capitalize on that development program by having a few more end-of-the-bench spots available for their G-Leaguers who excel.
VanVleet was undrafted