It’s been nearly a month since the Toronto Raptors concluded their tumultuous 2023-24 NBA season, which could best be described as a turbulent roller-coaster ride, to say the least. The team finds itself in the midst of a rebuilding phase, meaning the prospects of a postseason campaign next year appear dim, a reality that the organization seems to accept. However, this acknowledgment doesn’t negate the necessity for significant roster adjustments in Toronto. Hence, here are three imperative actions the Raptors must undertake during the offseason.
The foremost decision facing Toronto revolves around the fate of Bruce Brown Jr. With his contract featuring a team option, the Raptors possess a level of financial and roster flexibility regarding his future. The pivotal question confronting the organization is whether to retain Brown, trade him, or exercise the team’s option to decline his contract. While declining Brown’s option might offer immediate financial benefits, forfeiting a valuable player like him without compensation doesn’t seem prudent.
Consequently, retaining Brown or exploring trade possibilities emerge as more viable alternatives. Brown’s experience and skills could prove invaluable to the Raptors’ young roster, making him a potential asset moving forward. Alternatively, trading him could yield draft picks and additional players, bolstering Toronto’s future prospects without compromising its present flexibility, with the option to delay any decision until the trade deadline.
In addition to the decision regarding Brown, the Raptors must address two other critical matters during the offseason. Firstly, trading Jakob Poeltl, who could significantly contribute to contending teams, emerges as a strategic move given Toronto’s rebuilding status. Poeltl’s contract presents an opportunity to secure valuable assets, with a focus on obtaining a first-round draft pick, especially considering the potential loss of their own lottery pick to the San Antonio Spurs due to a previous trade.
Lastly, maintaining a steadfast commitment to the ongoing rebuilding process remains paramount for the Raptors. Despite potential temptations to accelerate the rebuild, particularly if an All-Star caliber player becomes available, Toronto must prioritize its long-term vision, especially with promising prospects like Cooper Flagg anticipated to enter the NBA draft in 2025.
While decisions regarding the re-signing of Immanuel Quickley and extending Scottie Barnes’ contract appear straightforward, the fate of Bruce Brown Jr. and Jakob Poeltl, along with the overarching rebuilding strategy, will significantly shape the Raptors’ trajectory in the offseason and beyond.