Raptors 2015 Offseason Thread

Theres no offseason thread yet, so I've decided to make one for more Raptor discussion.

[B]The Raptors offseason so far has included[/B]:

- Masai keeping Dwayne Casey on as head coach. One has to wonder if he is following the same path as BC. BC started very strong in his tenure with the Raptors and slowly because worse and worse, Masai so far has followed the same path. However, they are very different in philosophies (Masai loves younger guys and draft picks).

- The D-League team will be an asset at the Raptors disposal this upcoming season. Good news for the development of Bruno, Bebe, and DeAndre Daniels.

- Rumors are circulating on the next assistant coaches of the Toronto Raptors. One has to think that Casey is on a short leash because of this previous season. Whoever Masai chooses to hire may be taking over as head coach of the Toronto Raptors. Reading over rumor sites Monty Williams is a candidate

- Raptors own the 20th pick in the draft and have some flexibility. Will Amir, Lou, or Psycho T be kept? If not who stays and who goes? Will the Raptors still maintain the depth that they had this past year? If looks as if Lou will be over priced, so who will the Raptors add if they need bench schoring.

[B]Possible UFA the Raptors could chase[/B]:

- Their own

- Demarre Carroll - Turned into an excellent 3 and D player for the Hawks and will defend top wing players for the Raptors. I think he'll get a big payday, but the Raptors need a guy who can stop the ball and contribute something on the offensive end. He's in for a big payday, so I don't know if the Raptors can afford him, but we all know the Raptors need a Demarre Carroll on the team

- Wes Matthews - The guy ended his season will an Achilles injury, this could turn some teams away. Again the Raptors need a 3 and D player and since he is recovering from tough injury he could he be had for a lower rate than some other 3 and D players given the length of contract.

- Danny Green - I think this is the guy that the Raptors should go after. He's long shoots well and defends extremely well for his position. Sometimes he has mental lapses on both sides of the court, but he makes up for it with excellent defence and the ability to spread the floor. Since he wasn't advertised very well on the Spurs I think he can be a hidden gem of this UFA corps.

- Jeremy Lin - If the Raps lose Lou, Jeremy Lin can come in and provide a spark off the bench. He didn't have a bad year with his limited minutes, although he didn't have great averages. Possibly a cheap way of getting offence off the bench.

- KJ McDaniels - After a hot start on the 76ers, he struggled to get minutes on the Rockets. He's a RFA, so unlike the other options on this list Houston can match the offer. If you offer him a 3 million dollar contract does Houston even think about keeping him given their history of trying to get the top free agents.

- Brandon Wright - Long, athletic, and will defend. He won't take much offence away from DeMar or Lowry. He would be an excellent addition for the depth of this team.

- Marreese Speights - He has improved on that Warriors team and can be a spark on the bench. With the Raptors possibly losing Lou, I could see him being a good option if they want to replace Lou's bench scoring.

- Jordan Hill - He is on a team option, but the Lakers will likely cut his option. He could be a good option off the bench as a energy type of player. He has a good mid range game and just needs more effort in his play.

[B]Questions Masai will need to answer[/B]:

- Who do we keep from our FA? Who do we sign as UFA or RFA?

- How much confidence does he have in Ross? Does he believe in Ross like the Warriors believed in Harrison Barnes? Or is Ross tradable to other teams?

- Who is picked at #20 overall? Will it be a project (ie. Bruno)? Or will he go with a proven college player?

- Who are the assistant coaches going to be?

- How to address the Raptors awful defence?

- How to re-sign Lou or replace Lou?

Marc Stein
@ESPNSteinLine

ESPN sources say that, in advance of Thursday's draft, Minnesota has made former No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett available via trade 9m


Does Ujiri bite? He has stated that he wants a Canadian on the Raptors' roster.

[QUOTE=kmart]Marc Stein
@ESPNSteinLine

ESPN sources say that, in advance of Thursday's draft, Minnesota has made former No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett available via trade 9m


Does Ujiri bite? He has stated that he wants a Canadian on the Raptors' roster.[/QUOTE]

That would be cool. He should go for it. It's a no lose scenario. Bennett pans out and becomes a serviceable NBAer or he sucks and no one gets mad at Ujiri because Bennett is a fellow countryman.

Stacking this team with young Canadian talent would be a very good idea for notoriety and publicity here at home. People would love to cheer for them.

[QUOTE=Velocirap31]That would be cool. He should go for it. It's a no lose scenario. Bennett pans out and becomes a serviceable NBAer or he sucks and no one gets mad at Ujiri because Bennett is a fellow countryman.

Stacking this team with young Canadian talent would be a very good idea for notoriety and publicity here at home. People would love to cheer for them.[/QUOTE]

In theory, bringing the hometown kid home seems to be a good idea. It does raise some eyebrows if Masai will be adding a Canadian to the roster due to his nationality and not his basketball skill.

I am in the mind that Masai only has interest in players that will contribute to the team now or in the future. From what I've seen with Masai loves to fill out his roster with 15 players and every roster spot counts, whether it be for a player now or in the future. The question is does Masai think that Bennett will be a serviceable NBA player in the future and I don't think he does.

[url]http://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/with-honeymoon-over-ujiri-era-now-begins-in-earnest/[/url]

[QUOTE]Let the Masai Ujiri era begin.

The Toronto Raptors general manager

Also reading that Kyle, DeMar, and Jonas are all available for a trade.

[QUOTE=Legends66NBA7]Also reading that Kyle, DeMar, and Jonas are all available for a trade.[/QUOTE]

It would take a overpayment to get those players from Masai. He loves to get the most he can out of a deal.

Raptors get a D-League team in Mississauga. Great news for Bebe, Bruno, Daniels, and our 20th overall pick this year.

[url]http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/06/24/raptors-to-announce-d-league-team-will-play-in-mississauga-this-season.html[/url]

Raptors will have approximately 26 million to spend in free agency this year and they'll need a PF, if they choose not to retain Amir.

I'm still not convinced they'll keep Lou either, considering the focus on defence this year.

Lou is as good as gone. I can see Amir coming back for a team friendly price.

I like the rookies we got at the range we drafted them. Masai with solid work once again.

Gonna miss General Grevious' swagger, but not his high risk, high reward shot selections. :oldlol:

David West is a name to keep an eye on. After Paul Pierce did what he did to the Raptors, a battle proven veteran is something that the Raptors desire. He just recently opted out of his contract with the Pacers. I think a two year deal with West would be optimal for both sides to maximize the value that West has remaining in his career.

[QUOTE=kmart]David West is a name to keep an eye on. After Paul Pierce did what he did to the Raptors, a battle proven veteran is something that the Raptors desire. He just recently opted out of his contract with the Pacers. I think a two year deal with West would be optimal for both sides to maximize the value that West has remaining in his career.[/QUOTE]


I'd love to sign West, after Millsap and possibly Monroe he would be my target.

I'd also like to go after a Marcus Thornton or somebody like that who can provide 2nd unit scoring as I believe that Lou Will will be too pricey.

Corey Brewer as a wing defender is somebody I like aswell.

[QUOTE=Dr.Funk]I'd love to sign West, after Millsap and possibly Monroe he would be my target.

I'd also like to go after a Marcus Thornton or somebody like that who can provide 2nd unit scoring as I believe that Lou Will will be too pricey.

Corey Brewer as a wing defender is somebody I like aswell.[/QUOTE]

I like the idea of Millsap, however I think the term of the deal would be undesirable for the Raptors. This will probably be the last time Millsap can maximize his earnings, so look for a 4 year deal in the ballpark of 13-15 million. For the Raptors, the addition of Millsap will take them out of the KD sweepstakes.

I like the idea of Thornton on the 2nd unit and Corey Brewer/3&D type of player. I am assuming that Masai will be looking for defensive minded players to improve on a awful defence last year.

Question : If the NBDL team and summer league team are essentially one and the same for arguement sake

[COLOR="Red"]1) Would you bring back Landry Fields ??? [/COLOR]

(obviously not at that money but think of potential roster open spots)

2) Cedric or Hansborough ? Both ?

Recalling the collective requires something like 14 roster spots......and ...

[B]Tie-ing this thread into the Summer Team (Kmart) thread:[/B]

Perhaps Lou's money is coming from Vasquez contract.

Amir likely to be back on a cap friendly deal?

I assume we then also keep one of Cedric or Tyler

If this line up ends up being the core of the NBDL team - that leaves us 5 ~ 6 full roster spots open to fill :

(1) Vasquez (2) Bruno (3) Bebe (4) Landry Fields (5) one of Cedric or Tyler and (7) back up PG if Delon doesnt make the big team.

Dear Masai :

As a huge Raptor fan interested in the development and depth of this team over the long term as a perennial power ; thanks for what you have done.

Given the off season and potential FA signings I hope you will at least consider offers to any of the following for the "big team roster" with the DL league team obviously opening...

These guys may not be our starters but they appear to be great roster additions in my opinion.

1) Alan Anderson. Quality player / quality man and clutch performer. Obviously no longer a starter - the type of guy to help Demar and more importantly Tross develop

2) Ed Davis. Former Raptor appears to have unused potential. Nice to have a true banger production at the 4 spot

3) Tristan Thompson Canadian 4 ~ if he would consider leaving Cleveland. Clearly a lot of potential issues here in terms of cap flex, matching, front end loading, etc... but worth exploratory discussions.

4) Richard Jefferson.. his shooting the past 2- 3 years is something like 39% I get the d first mentality but his combo of shot selection and high percentage means we need to talk to the guy.

[QUOTE][B]Ujiri probably will pitch the middle group first, particularly Paul Millsap and Marc Gaso[/B]l, before turning his attention to the restricted crop. There is a seven-day moratorium before any signings can become official.

Toronto

I want Khris Middleton or Tobias Harris. Both are legit starting SF who are young enough to still improve. Give them a large enough offer sheet where their team won't match.

The Raptors aren't rebuilding and there is no way in hell any of the top free agents (Gasol, Aldridge, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi) come to Toronto. The Raptors have to roll on the dice if they want to get out of mediocrity. Either of these guys would be worth an "overpay" based on their past performance.

Raptors management to meet with Aldrige in upcoming days. It would be obviously a max deal. What do you think about such move ?

[QUOTE=Sakkreth]Raptors management to meet with Aldrige in upcoming days. It would be obviously a max deal. What do you think about such move ?[/QUOTE]
No idea why he'd choose Toronto over all the other teams willing to offer him the same max deal. I wouldn't hold my breath.

[QUOTE=Qwyjibo]No idea why he'd choose Toronto over all the other teams willing to offer him the same max deal. I wouldn't hold my breath.[/QUOTE]

He probably using this as leverage to get the max from other teams. However, its not like Toronto isn't a bad option. Toronto is 4th largest market in North America with a [I]good[/I] Eastern team. If he went here the road to the NBA finals will likely be easier than what it was on the Lakers. Add that to the fact that the Spurs may not be able to throw a max offer, Toronto might be a viable option.

[QUOTE=kmart]He probably using this as leverage to get the max from other teams. However, its not like Toronto isn't a bad option. Toronto is 4th largest market in North America with a [I]good[/I] Eastern team. If he went here the road to the NBA finals will likely be easier than what it was on the Lakers. Add that to the fact that the Spurs may not be able to throw a max offer, Toronto might be a viable option.[/QUOTE]

Agreed however wasn't there some mealy mouthing about playing in Toronto when Bosh was here ? I cant remember ~ was it good or bad vibes about playing north ?

Or was it bad mouthing after picking Bargnani instead of Aldridge ?

Either way I think the odds are slim.

If he really "doesn't want to play in front of Texas home crowds" I guess the Lakers are the destination.

I would guess per above that Milsap / Thompson are the "targets" to round out the 4 spot with Patterson. Amir comes back to play minutes as the back up 5 with Hayes / Hansborough / both gone

Give Aldridge the max.

Give KD the max next summer.

Figure the rest out later.

[QUOTE=Qwyjibo]I want Khris Middleton or Tobias Harris. Both are legit starting SF who are young enough to still improve. Give them a large enough offer sheet where their team won't match.

The Raptors aren't rebuilding and there is no way in hell any of the top free agents (Gasol, Aldridge, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi) come to Toronto. The Raptors have to roll on the dice if they want to get out of mediocrity. Either of these guys would be worth an "overpay" based on their past performance.[/QUOTE]

Raptors desperately need a legit starting SF. If given the choice, I would take Middleton every time over Harris. Better outside shooter and defender, the 3&D player the Raptors have been lacking all of last year. There's also DeMarre Carroll, I'd like to see him as a backup plan if the Raps can't get the first 2.

Then there's frontcourt situation. As of right now, I don't think Amir is coming back unless he wants to for a discount, which he won't do for his last big pay day. There's Brandon Wright and Bismack Biyombo, one or both would be excellent pick ups. Give us too good shot blockers and defenders. They won't score much but they do crash the offensive glass.

Lou has given all indication that he wants big money and given some of the picks and further trades happening, he'll only come back Masai can't get his original FA's he intended to get.

I like Brandon Wright and didn't even think of him. He's just a really smart offensive player. Limited but smart. I've always wondered what he'd be like with more minutes. Then again, when he was coming out of UNC I pegged him as a Chris Bosh-lite so I've always had this inflated sense of his skills.

A primary big man rotation of Wright, JV, Patterson and Biyombo would be quite alright. But they need that 3pt shooter at SF and like you said, Middleton would be perfect and I'd totally throw the max at him given the raises in the cap coming up.

[QUOTE=Qwyjibo] But they need that 3pt shooter at SF and like you said, Middleton would be perfect and I'd totally throw the max at him given the raises in the cap coming up.[/QUOTE]

[url]http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jefferi01.html[/url]

Not a cap busting contract. Another piece.

14 year veteran to add experience to largely a young team ; got a bit of a chip too and nothing wrong with that if harnessed the right way.

Not a starter but ...> James Johnson

Last 3 seasons ~ GSW Utah Dallas

FG % 456 - 450 - 444
3Pt % 311 - 409 - 426
Minutes per game 16 - 24

What's all the talk about DeMar being traded, everybody being available, i wouldn't assume masai would want to start over again since i think he has built a really nice core but still, what is he trying to do. Yeah, raptors need a sf that can hit 3s and defend, something like pj tucker, but if raptors can bring more talent through the FA, tobias or middleton, that would be great.

[QUOTE=tragicbronson]What's all the talk about DeMar being traded, everybody being available, i wouldn't assume masai would want to start over again since i think he has built a really nice core but still, what is he trying to do. Yeah, raptors need a sf that can hit 3s and defend, something like pj tucker, but if raptors can bring more talent through the FA, tobias or middleton, that would be great.[/QUOTE]

First off, welcome to the board.


There has been speculation that DeMar and his camp are seeking a mid max level contract, which will pay him somewhere around $23.5 million when he decides to become a FA. Some are suggesting Raptors dont want to pay that much and are looking to trade him. Have to let that play out for the moment.

I agree that Masai wont blow it up, even though he did admit the team peaked. He is trying to retool the roster, but also stockpiling some picks while he does so. Raps do have 4 first rounders the next 2 years and will continue to have a lot of cap space.

Im hearing that Middleton and the Bucks are close to signing a 5 year 70 million dollar contract, so the Raps will probably have to look for another FA. Aminu also signed with the Blazers, 4 year 30 million.

Raps sign Demarre Carroll to 4 year/$60MM deal according to Sam Amick/USA Today

Amir Johnson signs with Boston (2yr 24mil) so he's gone.

[QUOTE=Sakkreth]Amir Johnson signs with Boston (2yr 24mil) so he's gone.[/QUOTE]
I wouldn't want him back at that price. Even for just 2 years.

Masai answering my own questions from the OP.

[B]Who do we keep from our FA? Who do we sign as UFA or RFA?[/B]

So far, we've signed Demarre and lost Amir, who was due for a huge payday. Losing Amir will hurt our frontcourt defensively, however we finally have perimeter defenders.

[B]How much confidence does he have in Ross? Does he believe in Ross like the Warriors believed in Harrison Barnes? Or is Ross tradable to other teams?[/B]

Not traded yet, but I think if Masai can convince a max guy to sign Ross and Patterson will be gone for draft picks.

[B]Who is picked at #20 overall? Will it be a project (ie. Bruno)? Or will he go with a proven college player?[/B]

Delon Wright was picked. Masai went with the proven college vet. Lots of emphasis on defence here.

[B]Who are the assistant coaches going to be?[/B]

Jerry Stackhouse! I am curious to see how he can help out the Raptors' roster.

[B]How to address the Raptors awful defence?[/B]

Huge emphasis on defence this year, so far Carroll and Wright have been added, both of which skillsets emphasize defence.

[B]How to re-sign Lou or replace Lou?[/B]

So far, no. It seems like Masai is still targeting bigger pieces and defensive pieces as well.

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine 1m1 minute ago
ESPN sources say Raptors and Mavs still locked in battle for Wes Matthews. Yes: Raps still want him after striking deal with DeMarre Carroll

I don't like having Wes on the team especially after having an Achilles injury.

If the Raptors get Matthews at his asking price...

[IMG]https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4E1jrAgZDn8ZzazniKv9ylnP0X0=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3841044/Raptors_salary_cap.0.PNG[/IMG]

[QUOTE=Legends66NBA7]If the Raptors get Matthews at his asking price...

[IMG]https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4E1jrAgZDn8ZzazniKv9ylnP0X0=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3841044/Raptors_salary_cap.0.PNG[/IMG][/QUOTE]

I was reading and thought Wes wanted a contract in the ballpark of what Demarre got. Either way, if the Raps got Wes we could look out for a fun up and down type of team.

The goal if Wes signed would probably be shipping out Pat, Ross, and Johnson to get Alridge. Since Wes and Alridge are best friends one can dream, right?

A line up of Lowry, Derozan, Wes, Carroll, and Alridge :applause: . Of course it's a dream and we are the Raptors.

[url]https://mobile.twitter.com/daldridgetnt[/url]

[QUOTE]Raptors did well in meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge, but it is unlikely he picks the Raptors, per source.[/QUOTE]


Hmm mm. ... keep in mind, this is the same guy that said the Raptors would easily beat the Wizards in the playoffs... which means....





























WE GOT LA IN THE BAG !! :banana: :djparty :party: :dancin :djparty :party: :banana:

Casey's dream lineup is about to happen:

PG - Lowry
SG - Delon Wright
SF - Derozan
PF - Wes Matthews
C - Carroll

JV - 10 minutes per game
James Johnson - DNP-CD

I still remember that one game against Houston when they were getting blown out and Casey put out a lineup in the middle of the 4th ...

James Johnson
DeMar DeRozan
Terrence Ross
Greivis Vasquez
Kyle Lowry

:roll:

David Aldridge
‏@daldridgetnt
Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings: LaMarcus Aldridge has cancelled his meeting with the Knicks today, per source.

Toronto > New York :oldlol:

[QUOTE=kmart]

[B]How to re-sign Lou or replace Lou?[/B]

So far, no. It seems like Masai is still targeting bigger pieces and defensive pieces as well.[/QUOTE]


"Another website" that shall not be named says Lou >> Miami Heat.

But it requires a sign and trade cause Miami only has a MLE.

Doubt we are asking for anything back except perhaps a Pick !

I assume the pursuit of Mathews is the trigger... in the sense that Carol / Mathews - Derozan / Ross is just too deep at 2/3 position

I wonder who else we can sign with 10M left in our cap. I also wonders why we were still after WesMat after we got Carroll. With Amir, Tyler, Chuck leaving, we need a big more than a perimeter player. Now we can play PatPat/JJ at t PF but neither are true bigs and we still need a back up for Jonas. I don't think we have the budget for RoLo, that leaves JSmoove, Kanter, Jordan Hill, Ed Davis, and less idealy Brandon Bass. JSmoove is the best two-way player out of the bunch and he's proven with Houston that he's not as cancerous as his Detroit days would suggest. Brendan Wright would've been nice but he's going to Memphis.