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Cheerleader with Toronto Raptors logo on flag before the Toronto Raptors vs San Antonio Spurs NBA regular season game at Scotiabank Arena on January 12, 2020 in Toronto, Canada (San Antonio Spurs won 105-104) (Photo by Anatoliy Cherkasov/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Cheerleader with Toronto Raptors logo on flag before the Toronto Raptors vs San Antonio Spurs NBA regular season game at Scotiabank Arena on January 12, 2020 in Toronto, Canada (San Antonio Spurs won 105-104) (Photo by Anatoliy Cherkasov/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors are in a tough spot this free agency. They had significant players that became free agents such as Fred VanVleet, Serge Ibaka, and Marc Gasol. The Raptors managed to retain VanVleet but lost Ibaka to the Clippers. Marc Gasol’s future is uncertain, but if they can retain him, they are still light on certain positions.
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But all is not lost for the Toronto Raptors. They can still make some moves in free agency and make trades that could help them be a contender in the Eastern Conference.
1 – Signing Harry Giles in Free Agency
Harry Giles is a good signing for the Raptors. While he has not performed up to expectations in the NBA, he is still very young. Nick Nurse and the Raptors organization is famous for being able to develop players to their requirements. Giles is a free agent this off-season, and will not return to the Sacramento Kings.
Giles would be a team-friendly option that would not eat up too much cap space, which the Raptors want to save for Giannis Antetokounmpo next season.
2 – Re-signing Marc Gasol to the Toronto Raptors on a short-term deal
The Raptors will be looking to resign Marc Gasol this free agency. But it is key that they sign him to a short-term deal.
Gasol is a veteran and therefore will not demand too much money. But if they can get him on a short-term deal, it allows them to wait for a time when younger, more suited centers are available on the market.
It will take some convincing, with other teams interested in Gasol, but they can make it happen.
3 – Trading for Kelly Olynyk
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 19, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter (11) drives against Miami Heat forward Kelly Olynyk (9) during the first half of game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Kelly Olynyk will solve a lot of problems for the Raptors. Much like Ibaka, he can double as a center and a power forward.
Additionally, Olynyk can score from the three-point line. He showed that he can perform well during the playoff run for the Miami Heat this season. Given the assets at hand for Toronto with draft picks and players, they can easily make the trade.
Short Term Moves for Toronto Raptors
Whatever decisions Toronto will make, it will be keeping in mind the massive 2021 free-agent class. Their decisions will be driven by what puts them in the best position to lure a superstar to Canada. And that is the way it should be.
