The Toronto Raptors went into the offseason not looking to sign any star players, but to re-sign their key free agents, Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka. Before free agency began, it was believed that Lowry would leave Toronto, with the San Antonio Spurs as frontrunners to sign him.
Retaining their key pieces
Therefore, Toronto’s mission was to hold on to Lowry this offseason, which was their main focus. The All-Star point guard ultimately stayed loyal and signed a three-year, $100 million deal. Lowry has been a major part of the team’s success over the last few years, which is why it was important to keep him.
He has been the leader of the group, playing exceptionally well all-around.
Ibaka, who was traded to the Raptors ahead of the trade deadline last season, became a crucial part to the team’s defensive scheme, using his length and athleticism to protect the paint. Defense has been an important aspect for Toronto the last couple of years, as they’ve looked to improve that area each season. They re-signed Ibaka to a three-year, $65 million deal, thus guaranteeing $165 million for the next three years to Lowry and Ibaka.
Clearing cap space and redecorating the small forward position
Having guaranteed so much money to the two aforementioned players, the Raptors needed to clear some cap space, which they did.
In a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, they sent DeMarre Carroll and a couple of picks to Brooklyn for Justin Hamilton, who was later waived.
The Raptors shed Carroll’s $30.2 million contract, which was overwhelming the team since he was becoming injury prone and ineffective. In addition to parting ways with Carroll, the Raptors allowed P.J.
Tucker to walk in free agency, leaving a void at the small forward position.
To fill the void left behind by the two small forwards, the Raptors agreed to a deal with C.J. Miles. However, they had to execute a sign-and-trade with the Indiana Pacers, sending reserve point guard Cory Joseph to Indy for Miles.
The 2017 NBA draft
The remainder of Toronto’s roster was constructed via the 2017 Nba Draft.
They selected OG Anunoby with the 23rd overall pick, a small forward that can play superb defense. Since the Raptors lost key wing players during the summer, it was ideal that they drafted Anunoby.
Considering that Toronto was able to keep Lowry and Ibaka while also shedding some unnecessary salary, it was a solid offseason for them. Their bench will look different, but the core unit stayed together.
Roster outlook
PG: Kyle Lowry/Delon Wright/Fred Van Vleet/Lorenzo Brown
SG: DeMar DeRozan/Norman Powell/K.J. McDaniels
SF: C.J. Miles/O.G. Anunoby/Bruno Caboclo/Alfonzo McKinnie/Malcolm Miller
PF: Serge Ibaka/Pascal Siakam/Kennedy Meeks
C: Jonas Valanciunas/Lucas Nogueira/Jakob Poltl
Coach: Dwane Casey
Offseason Grade: C+
