The Toronto Raptors are shaping up for the future after signing Kyle Lowry and while the team was mentioned before last season in trade rumors involving DeMar DeRozan and Terrence Ross to the NY Knicks, those are likely off now after the Raps made the playoffs and if Carmelo Anthony stays in free agency, there is no chance New York looks to deal.
The Raptors made a surprising run to the division title and the playoffs last year after many thought they would be tanking for Andrew Wiggins and now they have some optimism for the future with Lowry back in the fold. According to ESPN.com, the team has also signed back Patrick Patterson and Greivis Vasquez and they have a good shot at repeating as division winners next season. The Knicks have worked hard at getting back Anthony, while the Raptors concentrated on Lowry this offseason to ensure he would be back long term.
The Knicks are signing back Anthony and Marc Stein from ESPN.com writes that the previous trade talk between NY and Toronto is most likely done. The Raptors have been building things with young players and the trade with Rudy Gay last season really turned the team around and now they have the chance to be back in the playoffs again next season. Masai Ujiri is building this team like he built the Nuggets and with Lowry back, they could have a sustained run of success.
The Raptors brought back Lowry and now they have signed Patterson as well, taking him back on a three year deal worth $18 million and that comes after the four year deal Lowry got. The Raptors acquired Patterson from the Kings after he was previously drafted by the Rockets and he comes in after averaging 8.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in 48 games played last year.
Last season the Raptors had their best year in franchise history with 48 wins and they took the Atlantic division title as well and now they are building for the future. The team has Kyle Lowry back in the fold after his near All-Star year and he committed to stay despite heavy interest from the Miami Heat, LA Lakers and other teams. The Raptors now have Lowry along with DeRozan and they have a strong core for Masai Ujiri to build around and in a weak east, they could make some noise.
The team ranked 13th in scoring per game last season and they also were seventh in points allowed and if they keep that up, they have a chance to be division winners once again. The team is reportedly meeting with Andray Blatche, according to ESPN.com, and he could be a free agent option after he went for 11.2 points and 5.3 rebounds last season for the Nets. Blatche can play center and he is a solid rebounder and shot blocker as well. The Raptors sent Steve Novak to the Jazz to help clear some space and that allowed them to make other moves and now they have Patrick Peterson back as well.
