The Toronto Raptors are coming off a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, finishing in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with a 25-57 record. It’s clear their best years are behind them for the time being, especially after trading both Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.
But, that doesn’t mean the Raptors aren’t planning to make some moves ahead of the 2024-25 season. In fact, it appears they have a busy offseason planned. The organization is planning to pick up Bruce Brown’s $23 million player option and then trade him, via Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
“Toronto is expected to exercise Bruce Brown’s $23 million team option and use him as a trade chip entering the offseason, league sources told HoopsHype.”
This isn’t a huge surprise, to be honest. Brown, who averaged 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists after coming over from the Indiana Pacers in the Siakam trade, doesn’t totally fit the Raptors’ plans. While they may not be going into a full rebuild, Toronto is undoubtedly looking to retool with more draft picks and younger talent. Plus, Brown does become an unrestricted free agent after 2024-25.
In a potential Brown deal, the Raptors could get a draft pick or two, which may prove to be valuable in the future. The former Denver Nuggets guard is a solid player and boatloads of teams across the Association would be happy to add him to the fold, especially after seeing his importance to the Nuggets’ title last season. Brown also gets the opportunity to possibly play for a contender and return to the playoffs sooner rather than later.
Raptors also planning Scottie Barnes extension
Once Siakam and Anunoby were gone, it became crystal clear that Scottie Barnes was the franchise cornerstone in Toronto. He will play on a $10.1 player option next season before becoming an RFA, therefore the Raptors are aiming to extend their former first-round pick this summer, via Scotto:
“The Raptors will also look to extend All-Star forward Scottie Barnes this summer, league sources told HoopsHype.”
That’s certainly a good idea considering Barnes’ importance. He’s been a key player for Toronto ever since Year 1 when he took home Rookie of the Year. This past season, the ex-Florida State star posted averages of 19.9 points, 8.2 boards, six assists, and 1.2 steals. Those were all career highs, including a 34% clip from three-point land.
There’s no question Barnes can be a building block for the Raptors. This is a team who just missed the playoffs two seasons in a row. That’s not exactly familiar. Toronto will be hoping to strengthen the roster this offseason and start contending again in the East not too far down the road. However, it may take a lot longer than they hope.
Per Scotto, the Raptors are reportedly keeping tabs on Purdue big man Zach Edey in the 2024 NBA Draft in case he falls. Edey is a Toronto native as well. But, chances are he’s off the board before the Raptors pick.
It will be an interesting few months ahead for the franchise and the roster could have a much different look once Opening Night comes around.
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