NBA Free Agency Grades: Toronto Raptors
Signings: Chris Boucher (3 years, $35.25 million); Otto Porter Jr. (2 years, $12.3 million); DJ Wilson (2 years, $4.57 million; Justin Champagnie (2 years, $3.57 million)
Trades: None
The Toronto Raptors have built something of a roster identity over the past few years since losing Kawhi Leonard, loading up on athletic combo forwards in the 6’6″ to 6’9″ range. Rather than pivot in another direction, the Raptors doubled down by adding even more combo forwards to the mix.
That starts with Otto Poerter Jr., fresh off an NBA title with the Golden State Warriors. They drew a line in the sand due to luxury tax concerns and Porter thus left and signed elsewhere. His deal with the Toronto Raptors was likely less than market value, but injury concerns depressed his value.
Chris Boucher is a legitimate 3-and-D center and it made sense to bring him back, and both DJ Wilson and Justin Champagnie have a great chance to make the roster this fall. Toronto will mostly “bring the band back together” from last year and hope it is enough. Porter is the primary additional piece to put them over the top.
Grade: C+