Speaking today to reporters, including Lori Ewing of The Canadian Press (Twitter link), Raptors president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri said that veteran centers Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol were “incredible for us.” However, Toronto’s long-term plans meant that the team was “limited in terms and years” when it came to making Ibaka and Gasol contract offers.
The Raptors’ limitations stem from the club’s desire to maintain as much cap flexibility as possible for the 2021 offseason. As such, it remains to be seen whether or not forward OG Anunoby will receive a contract extension before the December 21 deadline. A new contract for Anunoby, which would begin in 2021/22, would cut into Toronto’s cap room if the starting salary on that new deal exceeds his cap hold as a restricted free agent ($11.6MM).
“I think there are talks to be had,” Ujiri said today, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca (Twitter link). “They know of the abilities that we want, so we’ll keep having those conversations. The most important thing is we’re excited about OG.”
Anunoby, who spoke to reporters on Friday, confirmed that his agent was engaged in discussions with the Raptors about a possible extension, suggesting he’d have a better idea closer to the December 21 deadline whether a new deal is a realistic possibility (Twitter link via Lewenberg).
Here’s more on the Raptors:
- Ujiri suggested today that the club has either completed or is close to finalizing extensions for most of his front office staffers, including general manager Bobby Webster (Twitter links via Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun and Blake Murphy of The Athletic). Ujiri said there’s been too much going on to focus on his own extension yet, but that he’ll go into those talks with a “very positive mind and attitude” and hopes to get something done (Twitter link via Lewenberg).
- Ujiri isn’t ready to say one way or the other whether the Raptors will be able to host fans at their Tampa arena this season, noting that he has a meeting this afternoon to discuss the possibility (Twitter link via Wolstat).
- Asked about the possibility of Kyle Lowry retiring as a Raptor, Ujiri referred to the veteran point guard as a future Hall-of-Famer, suggesting the team would be happy to continue its union with Lowry beyond 2021. “He’s been incredibly respectful to the organization and we will have that same respect to Kyle anytime, everyday,” Ujiri said (Twitter link via Lewenberg).
- The Raptors announced a series of coaching hires and promotions in a Friday press release, including Chris Finch and Jama Mahlalela as assistants on Nick Nurse‘s staff and Patrick Mutombo as the head coach of the Raptors 905, Toronto’s G League affiliate.
They’ll have the cap space to bring back DeRozan
They’re not going to waste their cap space on DeRozan.
Lowry.. a future Hall of Famer?? yeah i don’t think so
6x all-star and champion, he has a pretty good case.
It’s not baseball. Getting into the basketball HOF isn’t that hard.
Word
Easily make it. The title sealed the deal. Kevin Love might even make it
2021 is the mission. Kawhi, Oladipo are the backup plans if Giannis stays in cream city or goes elsewhere. I don’t see them bringing Derozen.
The Raptors run was fun while it lasted.
Their run is hardly over, they have a solid youngish core in place and will have a ton of cap space next year. At the very least they will be competitors in the east for the foreseeable future.
I guess when you lack ambition in life and never had a earn anything the only alternative is to hate. Act how you feel I guess…
Huh?
I believe maybe it was a reply fail to C-Daddy…That’s my best guess..
My bad, aimed at mlbnyyfan..lol
I think his comment was directed at Benoit Benjamin, just in case he happens to be reading.
TOR saved money on centers to keep FVV. Next year they will spend to keep Anunoby & Lowry. Not glamorous but what can you do.
Bynes may be an overspend and Len draws different opinions, but he is on the improving side still.
They drafted a good short guard and talked about Lowry being a HOFer; does that mean they will give up Lowry after the year? Malachi Flynn, a college winner, was a good choice to give them some leverage in negotiations.
The only circumstances in which they bring back Lowry are (a) if they don’t land Giannis or another big free agent and/or (b) he’s willing to sign for a lot less money.
Why would you keep 35 yr old Lowry. When you signed VanVleet. Best to move Lowry at TD. Raptors don’t have enough to compete in East. I thought they overachieved last yr. Tough to replace a player like Kawhi.