The good news for the team and its fans, the front office has approximately $20 million to work with this summer and that could lead to a big free agent signing or two and possibly a trade before the NBA Draft next month.
Rant has reported the team could have interest in Orlando Magic youngster Tobias Harris, who turned down a contract extension late last year and is set to become a free agent. The 22-year-old was one of the few bright spots for a team that finished 25-57 last season.
Since being dealt by Milwaukee in the middle of the 2012-13 campaign, Harris has flourished, averaging 16 points and seven rebounds per game and with a number of front court players likely leaving, adding the former first round pick would not only add some much-needed depth at forward, but also give the team another solid scoring option, helping elevate the pressure off the back court.
Another option is trading DeMar DeRozan, a move that would give Terrance Ross more playing time as a starter and allow the front office to use that money to add two big names this summer. DeRozen is one of the best players on Toronto, but he lacks leadership skills, something the squad will need if they add some younger players to the roster this off season.
Experts have very different expectations for the Raptors this summer, but if they can add a player like Harris or a big name star like LaMarcus Aldridge, couple that with a strong showing in the NBA Draft, this franchise could take that next step and become an elite team in the Eastern Conference and possibly a squad that becomes a contender for a title over the next few years.
