It could be a “fascinating” offseason in Toronto, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who said in the latest episode of his Hoop Collective podcast that people who have been in touch with the Raptors recently have gotten the sense that the front office doesn’t yet know which direction it will take with its roster.
As Windhorst outlines, one path would see the Raptors re-sign Fred VanVleet, extend Pascal Siakam, and potentially pursue additional upgrades. Conversely, the team could make changes to its core, perhaps exploring a sign-and-trade of VanVleet and other deals involving players like Siakam and/or OG Anunoby. The front office’s decision on a direction for the roster isn’t necessarily separate from its ongoing head coaching search, Windhorst observes.
“They’ve interviewed a bunch of different coaches and it’s not clear which way they’re going to go,” he said. “They’ve gotta probably make a decision about whether or not they’re going to keep these guys together, and that is going to influence the kind of coach you hire.”
Windhorst points to Will Hardy and the Jazz last spring as an example of a head coaching hire that was made at the same time a team decided to retool its roster. If the Raptors have a similar overhaul in mind, they could target a coach who specializes in player development, though it seems unlikely that they’ll blow things up to the same extent Utah did.
Here’s more from around the Atlantic:
- Eric Koreen and Seth Partnow of The Athletic consider how the Raptors should view Scottie Barnes‘ sophomore slump following his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2021/22. Partnow, acknowledging that the team would’ve liked to see Barnes make greater strides as a play-maker, shooter, and defender last season, says he’d be “concerned but not worried” about the 21-year-old’s development.
- The Knicks have the assets to be serious players for any impact player who hits the trade block, but will the right star actually become available for the team this offseason? In a story for subscribers, Peter Botte of The New York Post explores that question.
- As Lucas Kaplan of NetsDaily relays, Nuggets guard Bruce Brown suggested during an appearance on The Dan LeBatard Show that the Nets‘ front office was interested in re-signing him last summer, but declined to go into details on why things didn’t work out. “I don’t know who made the decision, but I just know the front office wanted me back,” Brown said, spurring speculation that either Nets owner Joe Tsai or one or both of Brooklyn’s then-stars (Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving) played a part in Brown’s exit.
Which former/current Raptor would you rather have on your team if you could have them from age 24 until the end of their career, DeMar Derozan, Marc Gasol, Vince Carter, Kyle Lowry or Pascal Siakam? Rank a top3 if possible…
Carter
Gasol
Demar
DeRozan to the Knicks. That’s all we need
That’s a mistake.
Raptors are fascinating.
I saw an idea of a trade framework of Siakam and change to the Blazers for the 3rd pick.
Not sure all the details but think that makes a ton of sense for both sides. Another high level player for POR that fits Dames prime. For TOR they take Miller or Scoot and retool around Scottie, OG and the pick as their core.
I think VanVleet is a little overpriced. But in Philly I see a good fit. He is a 90% FT shooter. He’s a 20 and 8 PG. And career 37% (3PT) shooter. It’s what Embiid needs. He and Maxey are a solid backcourt. Plus he plays D, both play D. He’s an upgrade over Har en. And cheaper. A player in his Prime. He’s a better all around team fit. And if rumors are true about Houston. Philly can do a three way and move on. I’d certainly look into it if I’m Philly.
I certainly believe NY will be a player for a big upgrade. We have to be careful not to overpay. They all want to fleece the Knicks. Thinking we are desperate to move up. Rebuilding thru draft is paying off now. And I’m sure there will be good players made available. Patience is the name of the game. To me DeRozan is a great fit and upgrade. He can retire a Knick and hopefully with a ring.
How about this …
Toronto: Anfernee Simons
Portland: DeMare DeRozan
Chicago: OG Anunoby and Malakai Flynn
Toronto decides that they have too many forwards (Scottie, OG and Pascal) and not enough guards (FVV and GTJ both free agents). They are happy to lose OG’s defence and want more of a shooter and scorer in Simons.
Portland are in win now mode and want to please Dame by going for another player to help them compete. DeMare is also a good friend of Dames. It then allows them to keep the number 3 oil if they want, should Brandon Miller be available that would be great for them.
Lastly Chicago, they decide to finally go young and try build something around LaVine. DeRozan is 33 going on 34 on an expiring deal, whereas OG is 25, one of the leagues best defenders and also can be a good secondary option that would fit well with Zach. Malakai Flynn is also not a bad pick up. He’s only 25, on a cheap deal and at minimum gives them some much needed depth which is great with Lonzo out.
Would be a good move for all three teams