Is it realistic for Toronto Raptors to hoard cap space for run at Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Giannis Antetokounmpo may be the biggest free agent prize in NBA history … next summer. The Toronto Raptors lay in waiting for 2021.
The Toronto Raptors were never a factor when LeBron James was a free agent. In fact, they’re rarely a factor when a big free agent becomes available, a forgotten mecca of hoops hidden north of the Canada-United States border.
They don’t want that to be the case when 2021 free agency rolls around with one legendary prize.
If he doesn’t choose to sign a contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be available to the top bidder after the 2020-21 season. And best believe every single team in the NBA will want to make a run at him.
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At the moment, there isn’t ample reason to believe the Greek Freak will be leaving the state of Wisconsin in 18 months. He’s given no indication of being unhappy and the Bucks have formed one of the best cores around him, with the team currently sporting the best record in the NBA by a country mile.
But if he does decide to spend his prime elsewhere, the Raptors want to make sure they’re a prime candidate for his services.
It starts and ends with the books, which Masai Ujiri and the front office have been keeping clear. The franchise has been reticent to sign anybody to long-term deals outside of Pascal Siakam, the building block of the future. He’s the only player with a fully guaranteed contract for the 2021-22 season and beyond on the roster (per Basketball-Reference).
Other players who are more likely than not to be around are Norman Powell (who has a player option for that season), Matt Thomas and Dewan Hernandez.
With so much blank space just a season and change away, the Raptors would be able to construct a roster around the strengths of Antetokounmpo. The forward is not the best shooter, but the Bucks have supported him by surrounding him with shooters all over the court to space the floor, even at positions reserved for big men (like Brook Lopez).
There should be no shortage of free agent shooters in 2021 free agency, including the likes of Evan Fournier, former Raptor Danny Green and the ageless J.J. Redick.
If Antetokounmpo wants to form a superteam in Toronto alongside Siakam, that’s a possibility too. Anticipated prominent free agents who should still be in their prime include Kawhi Leonard (player option), Paul George (player option), Rudy Gobert, Anthony Davis and Victor Oladipo.
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Even if Ujiri can pull it off, it doesn’t mean he should try. One need to look no further than the New York Knicks for an example of what can happen if a free agent coup goes wrong. They had designs for both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving last summer. But they got neither, leading to a rash of strange signings, one of the worst records in the NBA and an unemployed coach.
Back in October, John Hollinger wrote for The Athletic (subscription required) that Toronto is likely to be in strong pursuit of Antetokounmpo if he hits the market next year. Frankly, all 29 teams outside of the Milwaukee should pursue the generational talent.
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The Toronto Raptors are setting themselves up for a legitimate run, though. It can pay big dividends, but it can also self-destruct the best run in franchise history.