The Toronto Raptors 2014 Off-Season Thread

[bluejays]

What will the Raptors do to keep rolling into the 2015 season?

[Da_Chief]

1. Re-sign Lowry.
.
.
.
Rest

[Hockey_Ninja]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

1. Re-sign Lowry.
.
.
.
Rest

/thread.

[Trojan97]

I'm not really much for NBA predictions but I'm so excited to see a full year of this team next season. Such a likable bunch and I think they easily hit the 50 wins mark.

Lowry will likely slot in around 11 mil/yr on his new deal. Paul, Westbrook, Rose are on another level but I think he's in that mix of Curry, Holiday, Lawson, Rondo between 10-12 million a season. To me, he's worth it on a 3-4 year deal where he can be the general on a competitive playoff team. I think that's exactly where a player with his personality needs to be and I think he realizes he has a very good thing going forward in Toronto.

There's some pretty nice veteran wings set to become free agents. I think the biggest need is to upgrade the Salmons spot, which shouldn't be too hard. A guy like VC, Shawn Marion, Trevor Ariza would be perfect depending on their asking price.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Well Vince Carter will apparently be a target of the Raptors. Not a big fan of bringing him back, there are likely to be better options out there and well as always...#### him. The Raptors #1 priority has to be finding another big man. After Jonas they basically have a bunch of small power forwards. I mean Steve Novak is the second tallest guy on the team...yikes.

Then of course it's decision time on Dwane Casey. Tough call here because I'm not exactly enamored with some of his coaching decisions, but he did improve over the year. Plus if Mark Jackson gets fired there's a guy I wouldn't mind seeing coach the Raptors. And George Karl is out there and he's a Masai guy.

Lowry will be about money only. I think someone will offer him a ridiculous contract. Will the Raptors match it? Time will tell, but I can see him getting a huge deal from someone like Dallas or the Knicks.

[octothorp]

It's going to be difficult to do a lot this offseason beyond maintaining the status quo and swapping in some new bench players; 2015 is where they're going to have a big chunk of salary expire.

Lowry, Vasquez, and Patterson I think will all be back, maybe a four-year contract for Lowry and two years for Vasquez and Patterson. I have no idea about Nando. Wouldn't be surprised to see Buycks get bought out to clear roster spaces.
I expect Salmons and Hansbrough will be gone; both have a $1 million buyout, which the Raptors could either make use of themselves, or trade to another team looking to clear cap space (which means taking somebody back).

Fields is untradeable right now, but fortunately only has a year left. Hayes and Novak they could both find a taker for; Novak has no place in Casey's system. Hayes might have some trade value after his competent performance in the playoffs, but a big-bodied backup is important.

Assuming all of the above, I think a backup C and a defensive SF with length/size are the two draft priorities (although if there's a clear BPA when they pick, always go with that). KJ McDaniels and Jerami Grant are the two SFs around 20 that fit the mold; and with second-rounder, take either Austin or McGary, or draft-and-stash Klimenko or Taveres.

I like Ariza in free agency too. Less keen on Carter. There isn't a backup C free agent that really stands out to me. A Rasho-Nesterovic-2.0 sort of guy would be perfect.

There's been plenty of rumours about the Raptors making a run at Durant in 2016 when he's a free agent. I think it's a long-shot, but if there are a lot of two-year deals signed this summer, that's an indication that the Raptors are keeping that option open.

[Pagal4321]

Doug Smith: Raptors ‏@SmithRaps
Raptors have agreement in principle with Dwane Casey on a three-year deal, according to sources

[bluejays]

As stated in the other thread, I like the Casey signing. He's earned it and has the respect of his team and has built a team culture - something we haven't seen in awhile. If there's anything strategy related he needs to learn, sign another assistant coach on staff.

As for Carter, for the first time since he's left, I actually like the idea - only if another competent vet is brought in with him. Look, if this years playoffs has taught us anything, is that Carter can still make that big shot when the time rolls down. You can never have to many of those. I wouldn't mind Hansbrough back to put deeper on the bench. He can be a terror to play against on some nights, and I'd prefer to keep him than have him play against us. Vazquez to me though, is a must to bring back. He made some very big shots down the stretch and really played hard. Sure there were growing pains, but the guy really seems to hold the team together and brings them up when they're in a slump. Great team guy.

[Imported_Aussie]

Backup centre is a big need. Also, with Fields going into the final year of his deal, his value goes up - expiring contract for a 2 year deal kind of trade for a team looking to save $$$
For as good as this draft is, there is not a lot of size on offer in the first round - I would draft a wing player, someone with a good outside game and defence (or at least coachable).

[octothorp]

Originally Posted by Imported_Aussie

Backup centre is a big need. Also, with Fields going into the final year of his deal, his value goes up - expiring contract for a 2 year deal kind of trade for a team looking to save $$$
For as good as this draft is, there is not a lot of size on offer in the first round - I would draft a wing player, someone with a good outside game and defence (or at least coachable).

Yeah, there's definitely a lot of wings to choose from, though nobody without some warts or risks:
TJ Warren (polished offense, good all-round game, might be a bit of a tweener with poor speed when defending SFs on the perimeter)
James Young (really good all-round game, a little raw, not great size for SF)
Jerami Grant (awesome size and athleticism, great defensive potential, jump-shot needs a lot of work)
KJ McDaniels (size not great for SF, but great athleticism, elite defender, jump shot needs work, poor ball-handler)
Rodney Hood (decent size, good offensive game, excellent shooter, defense needs work)
Clearanthony Early (gets the tweener label, but IMO his quickness gives him an advantage over most tweeners, good jumpshot, defense needs work).
DeAndre Daniels (good size, good outside shooter, a bit of a beanpole, his defense is largely 'potential' at this point)
Damien Inglis (may be a second-round pick or may be a guy who rises as north-american scouts work him out. Size and athleticism is awesome, extremely versatile game both on O and D, but his shot mechanics need a total rebuild, is freshman-aged which increases upside.)

[mac_82]

This is what I am looking forward to the most

[Trojan97]

Originally Posted by fleury

As stated in the other thread, I like the Casey signing. He's earned it and has the respect of his team and has built a team culture - something we haven't seen in awhile. If there's anything strategy related he needs to learn, sign another assistant coach on staff.

As for Carter, for the first time since he's left, I actually like the idea - only if another competent vet is brought in with him. Look, if this years playoffs has taught us anything, is that Carter can still make that big shot when the time rolls down. You can never have to many of those. I wouldn't mind Hansbrough back to put deeper on the bench. He can be a terror to play against on some nights, and I'd prefer to keep him than have him play against us. Vazquez to me though, is a must to bring back. He made some very big shots down the stretch and really played hard. Sure there were growing pains, but the guy really seems to hold the team together and brings them up when they're in a slump. Great team guy.

Good point on Hansbrough, he isn't the most valuable guy in the playoffs when minutes tighten up but he is a great bench big that can eat minutes and provide a spark in the regular season. He's one of those guys that you absolutely cannot overpay but if he's willing to come back for a reasonable contract he would be a great re-signing.

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

I like the Casey re-up. Lowry gets paid. 4 years 62 million around there I bet. Backup C or another low post threat off the bench. Booze would be ideal at a cheaper salary. Either draft a SF or a back up PG. That Elfrid Peyton guy looks really intriguing. He could really be what I felt this team needed which is a scoring option off the bench that can push the pace. It's either jerami grant or peyton in the draft. The second, I'd go international and stash someone unless someone is there that immediately improves the bench.

Tim Lieweke really has me hoping for a daring move. I love the KD idea. What about bosh return? him and JV would be a real good front court. But what about LBJ? throw max money at him for 3 years. Him with the current raps (with lowry) is the best group in the league. a boy can dream can't he?

[bluejays]

Originally Posted by Ziggy Lidstrom

I like the Casey re-up. Lowry gets paid. 4 years 62 million around there I bet. Backup C or another low post threat off the bench. Booze would be ideal at a cheaper salary. Either draft a SF or a back up PG. That Elfrid Peyton guy looks really intriguing. He could really be what I felt this team needed which is a scoring option off the bench that can push the pace. It's either jerami grant or peyton in the draft. The second, I'd go international and stash someone unless someone is there that immediately improves the bench.

Tim Lieweke really has me hoping for a daring move. I love the KD idea. What about bosh return? him and JV would be a real good front court. But what about LBJ? throw max money at him for 3 years. Him with the current raps (with lowry) is the best group in the league. a boy can dream can't he?

Elite guys such as Lebron or Durant, it would work. Second fiddle guys who think to themselves they're stars in the league, such as really a whole lot of guys (KG, Gay, George) would not work as they'd demand the ball but wouldn't produce enough to be the 1A guy, but would take away from the productivity of the other guys around. Really an interesting off-season, but if I were to guess, I don't think the Raps will make any major or ballsy moves considering the high chance that those types of moves would mess with team chemistry.

[St. Pats]

Originally Posted by fleury

Elite guys such as Lebron or Durant, it would work. Second fiddle guys who think to themselves they're stars in the league, such as really a whole lot of guys (KG, Gay, George) would not work as they'd demand the ball but wouldn't produce enough to be the 1A guy, but would take away from the productivity of the other guys around. Really an interesting off-season, but if I were to guess, I don't think the Raps will make any major or ballsy moves considering the high chance that those types of moves would mess with team chemistry.

I completely disagree. The team chemistry thing is such an overworked cliche in sports. Yes its important but the facts still remain the facts. They were first round losers in a super weak Eastern Conference. That chemistry and depth actually making up for a lack of talent.

A core that works with a few tweaks? Not if they actually expect to win anything. They will also be passed by teams that can attract top free agents like the Celtics, Knicks etc. Even using the youth argument is moot as there are other teams with at least even upside in that category.

They aren't setup right now to make any huge moves anyway. They don't have the flexibility to do so. Unless MU makes some deals. He has the Knicks 2016 first round pick, some players and some exceptions he can use to bring in another piece.

I would think he will leave the huge move till he has the cap space to do it. But I still think he makes a significant offseason move to bolster the team for next year cause team chemistry ain't enough.

[bluejays]

With Kevin Love possibly on the trade block, do the Raps have a chance at getting him for DeRozan + filler?

[Senator Clay Davis]

Totally missed the Kevin Love trade thought. The cost is going to be very high (DeRozan and Valanciunas is probably the cost, Wolves would much rather have them than picks) and no guarantee he'll sign the extension to stay. I do think he wants to go East but Chicago and Boston have a plethora of picks and players to trade. I suspect he goes to either one or the other.

But I posted mostly to show how little respect the Raptors get. NBA Odds are out for next year, and I'm not that upset that Raptors are 40-1...I'm upset that so are the Knicks and Lakers, and the Cavs are 20-1. That's right, the Raptors going in the right direction and the Cavs, Lakers and Knicks the wrong direction, but all same or better odds. Yeesh.

[Read Only]

I can't imagine that Love would want to re-sign here when he is a FA in 2 years so the Raps giving up anymore than DD and secondary pieces doesn't ake much sense and that likely only makes them a more competitive 2nd round team and still far from competing for a title.

[howard_the_duck]

Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis

Totally missed the Kevin Love trade thought. The cost is going to be very high (DeRozan and Valanciunas is probably the cost, Wolves would much rather have them than picks) and no guarantee he'll sign the extension to stay. I do think he wants to go East but Chicago and Boston have a plethora of picks and players to trade. I suspect he goes to either one or the other.

But I posted mostly to show how little respect the Raptors get. NBA Odds are out for next year, and I'm not that upset that Raptors are 40-1...I'm upset that so are the Knicks and Lakers, and the Cavs are 20-1. That's right, the Raptors going in the right direction and the Cavs, Lakers and Knicks the wrong direction, but all same or better odds. Yeesh.

I'm with you on the Knicks and Lakers, but the Cavs underachieved last year.

With Kyrie, the number 1 pick, and the ability to attract free agents given that combo, I'd argue they'll make a Washington Wizards-like leap next year.

[SuperMatt18]

I have a feeling some of that is just hedging the risk that Lebron ends up on one of those 3 teams as well if he ends up going to free agency.