Should they stay or should they go?
Nd
Despite a 2-19 finish and one ronto Raptors history, many of the players will be back in 202425, and that suits many Raptors just fine.
“I believe we have great guys on this team,” point guard Immanuel Quickley said at locker cleanout day. “Great personalities, funny guys, guys that enjoy doing the work, guys that enjoy practising, that’s rare to find, that enjoy coming to practice and getting better. You never want to see anybody go honestly, especially from this team. The main thing is we just want to continue to try to find ways to get better, to improve and be in a different situation next year than we are this year,” Quickley said.
But like it or not, there are going to be plenty of changes. Here’s how we would handicap the likelihood of Raptors returns:
NOT GOING ANYWHERE
Scottie Barnes: The all-star is now the top dog for the franchise and will be eligible for an extension this summer. Immanuel Quickley: Restricted free agent will sign with
Toronto, or the Raptors will match any offer.
RJ Barrett: Played the best basketball of his career after joining his hometown team. Former No. 3 overall pick is signed long-term and will be highest-paid Raptor until massive Barnes extension kicks in.
Gradey Dick: Team is high on No. 13 pick of 2023 draft. He had a strong final few months and projects as an elite shooter who should play well off the other top Raptors.
Kelly Olynyk: Veteran Canadian centre happily signed an extension to remain with the club for a few more seasons.
Ochai Agbaji: Agbaji came with Olynyk from Utah for one of the future draft picks acquired in the Pascal Siakam trade. Toronto likes his defensive versatility and hopes his offence will develop. After next season his progress will determine how much his new contract will be worth.
PROBABLY STAYING
Jakob Poeltl: Toronto is a much better team with Poeltl on the floor. They were lost without him because of the defensive presence he provides. But Poeltl turns 29 in October and the team is nowhere close to contending.
He might be too old to be this effective by the time they are. It’s possible he’s moved if a decent first-round pick could be retrieved, but we’d bet he stays.
Garrett Temple: The veteran was a fantastic signing by the Raptors. Not for what he brought on the court — even though he produced when called upon — but for his leadership and presence. All of his teammates love Temple and say they learned a ton from him. If he wants to come back they’ll happily have him.
Javon Freeman-liberty: The organization likes him and could plan out the task of turning him into a point guard from a scoring guard.
50/50 THEY ARE BACK
Gary Trent Jr.: It was a surprise when he didn’t opt out of his contract last off-season. Trent returned and started slow but finished strong. He’s a proven shooter and popular teammate. It will come down to whether Trent wants to remain or if someone else makes an offer the Raptors don’t want to compete with.
Chris Boucher: The Canadian big man has a year left on his contract and can help a team. Darko Rajakovic hasn’t been a big fan because he doesn’t seem to think Boucher works in his system. Can’t see Toronto attaching an asset to get rid of Boucher, but if someone will take him without one it might be best for both sides. Jalen Mcdaniels: A complete free agent bust, Mcdaniels showed none of the things that attracted the Raptors to him. He has guaranteed money owing next season, and Rajakovic has talked him up, but he could just be cut loose.
PROBABLY GOING
Bruce Brown: The veteran told reporters he hurt his knee and that’s why he wasn’t himself since being acquired from Indiana. Brown has value both as a player who helped Denver win the title last season and as a contract, since his deal is not guaranteed unless picked up by the end of June. That means a team looking for a quality veteran could trade for him or a team desperate to shed salary could deal a guaranteed contract for Brown’s deal and then cut him.
Jordan Nwora: Rajakovic didn’t give him much run because Nwora’s defence wasn’t good enough. But he can shoot and is athletic, so you never know.