Toronto Raptors coming off a disappointing 2023-24 campaign worth $23 million
The Toronto Raptors had a disappointing season in 2023-24, landing in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with a 25-57 record. With key players Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby traded, it’s evident that their prime years are currently behind them.
However, the Raptors are gearing up for changes before the 2024-25 season. Reports suggest they’re preparing for a busy offseason, starting with exercising Bruce Brown’s $23 million player option and then trading him, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
It’s not unexpected news. Brown, acquired from the Indiana Pacers in the Siakam trade, posted decent stats with 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. But he doesn’t perfectly align with the Raptors’ future plans. While they may not be embarking on a complete rebuild, Toronto aims to restructure with an eye on acquiring more draft picks and younger talent. Additionally, Brown will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024-25 season.
In a potential deal involving Brown, the Raptors stand to gain valuable draft picks, potentially bolstering their future prospects. As a former Denver Nuggets guard who played a crucial role in their championship run, Brown is an attractive asset for numerous teams across the league. He also gets the chance to join a contender and return to playoff contention sooner rather than later.\
Raptors also planning Scottie Barnes extension
With the departures of Siakam and Anunoby, the Toronto Raptors have solidified Scottie Barnes as their franchise cornerstone. Barnes, who will play on a $10.1 million player option next season before entering restricted free agency, is a priority for the Raptors to extend this summer, according to reports from Michael Scotto.
Extending Barnes makes sense given his crucial role on the team. Since his rookie year, where he earned Rookie of the Year honors, Barnes has been instrumental for Toronto. In the past season, the former Florida State standout posted career-high averages of 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, six assists, and 1.2 steals, even improving his three-point shooting to 34%.
Barnes undoubtedly represents a foundational piece for the Raptors, who have narrowly missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, an unusual occurrence for the franchise. Toronto aims to bolster its roster this offseason to reignite contention in the Eastern Conference, though the timeline for a full return to prominence may be longer than anticipated.
Scotto’s reports also indicate that the Raptors are keeping an eye on Zach Edey, a Purdue big man and Toronto native, in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. However, the likelihood of Edey falling to the Raptors’ pick is uncertain.
As the offseason unfolds, the Raptors face an intriguing period of roster development, and the team could undergo significant changes by the time Opening Night arrives.