The Toronto Raptors have been quiet so far this offseason, but the team is eyeing moves after a disappointing ending to the 2014-15 season. The Raptors are on the verge of being a contending team, but clearly need some super star help in order to get over the hump and place themselves alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East. Free agency could be big for the team, but will it also feature a marquee trade?
The Raptors have six players preparing to hit free agency and according to Doug Smith of the Toronto Sun, no one is truly safe as general manager Masai Ujiri figures out how to bounce back from getting swept out of the playoffs. Amir Johnson, Lou Williams, Tyler Hansbrough, Landry Fields, Chuck Hayes and Greg Stiemsma are all hitting the market while DeMar DeRozan is expected to command a max contract and nothing less. As Ujiri admits the roster has major flaws, will he look to break it down and rebuild?
The Toronto Sun is reporting that DeRozan is seeking a max contract which would equal out of $25.3 million per season. The task for the Raptors is determining whether or not he is truly worth that amount of money. The shooting guard is strong on defense and has a great 3-point shot, but is not good in floor space and might have trouble fitting in to other systems in the NBA. It is unclear exactly what his worth is to other teams and if his star power is big enough to warrant that type of money annually.
The Raptors should have around $22 million to spend this offseason which could be headed to LaMarcus Aldridge. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the power forward is expected to take a meeting with the Raptors, but it is unclear whether or not the team truly stands a chance at signing him as he leans towards the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs. As a result, players like Paul Millsap, Tobias Harris and Khris Middleton could become targets along with bringing back Williams with a deal. The Raptors have a lot of players eligible for more money in the coming seasons, but it remains to be seen if DeRozan will be on the receiving end of that or not.
