While the assumption was the Toronto Raptors could shake up their roster in a major way this summer, it seems the team may take a different approach than some expected.
The results from this past season were not at all what the Toronto Raptors were hoping for. Despite returning all of the key players that helped them win 48 games in 2021-2022 the team had a very disappointing season and struggled to finish with a 41-41 record.
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It was surprising considering the talent they have on the court, in the coaching staff, and in the front office. Yet, something clearly changed and this assortment of players was no longer a good fit. Their performance led to head coach Nick Nurse being fired after 10 seasons and winning an NBA title with the franchise.
Throughout the season there were rumblings the front office could move some of their top stars and begin looking to the future. The concept made sense since it was well-known that Fred VanVleet planned to exercise his contract’s opt-out after the season, and stars Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby both only have one more year left on their contract.
Toronto Raptors record (’22-’23): 41-41
Yet, the NBA trade deadline came and the Toronto Raptors actually added talent instead of trading them away in the hope of salvaging their season. After their season came to a close during the NBA play-in tournament, the speculation again began that the team would definitely shake up the roster. Especially after reports that VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. were unlikely to return.
Now, with a first-time head coach in Darko Rajakovic leading the team, starting from scratch makes sense for Toronto. However, on Sunday, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the team’s summer plans could be very different despite having a coach known for developing young players.
“The early signals emanating from Toronto — while free agents-to-be Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. appear more likely than not to relocate — suggest that the Raptors are not interested in a total rebuild and view their offseason plans as a retool.”
– Marc Stein
The news is surprising since Siakam and Anunoby did not deliver strong results together last season and giving them a pair of massive contracts may not be in the Toronto Raptors’ best long-term interest. The situation will be worth watching after July 1.