The Toronto Raptors’ 2022 offseason was both uneventful and grueling for fans. For one thing, the team hasn’t made any stunning free agency signings to bolster its ranks. On the flip side, though, they’ve been constantly linked to a certain guy from Brooklyn who asked for a trade. Because of that, fans erupted in anticipation about a potential Kevin Durant trade.
Amid all the chaos of KD rumors in Toronto, it’s easy to forget that the Raptors made some noteworthy offseason moves to improve their roster. Let’s see how Masai Ujiri and the front office have done this 2022 offseason, and whether their moves make sense or not.
Draft: B-
The Toronto Raptors’ 2022 NBA Draft was a pretty quiet affair. Without many assets to work with, the team only had their second-round selection to play with. The Raptors continued their quest to build a heavy forward rotation by drafting Arizona center Christian Koloko with the 33rd pick in the draft.
Koloko fits the forward/centre mold that Masai Ujiri dreams of for his team. At 7’0 with a wingspan of 7’5.25, the Arizona product has the construction of a large mobile rim guard that can occasionally activate the guards. He already showed flashes of that impressive defense during the Las Vegas Summer League. His offense is a concern, but it’s not something that can’t be fixed. The Raptors’ renowned player development program will help him diversify his offensive game and further improve his defense.
It’s not exactly a steal for the Raptors. We will however see how Koloko develops for the team next season.
Free agency: B
One of the biggest concerns for the Raptors heading into the 2022 offseason was Chris Boucher. The Canadian striker bounced back from a lackluster first half to provide his rim protection and shot from the bench. Many fans feared that someone was stealing Boucher from the team, which would further reduce their already weak central rotation.
Fortunately, the Raptors and Chris Boucher agreed to a three-year, $35 million deal to stay in Canada. The Raptors also re-signed another of their backup forwards in Thaddeus Young to a shorter, cheaper contract (two years, $16 million).
The biggest splash for the Raptors in the free agency market in 2022, however, is the signing of 2022 NBA champion Otto Porter Jr. to a two-year, $12 million deal. Porter Jr. revitalized his career at Golden State last season, proving he could still be a valuable player for a championship contender. Now he’s turned that success into a better deal than his minimum wage last season.
Overall, these moves are solid and improve the Raptors’ moves in free agency. They’re not exactly home runs, but they help the team for future seasons while still maintaining some semblance of cap flexibility for a potential hit trade.
Professions: B
The biggest trade chatter surrounding the Raptors in the 2022 NBA offseason concerns a trade that has yet to happen. Kevin Durant’s trade request sent shockwaves through the league. After his request was made public, teams immediately raced to present the best trade offer for the disgruntled former MVP.
One of the teams tied to KD was the Raptors, who have the credentials to match any potential trade to the Nets. Talks, however, have stalled between the two teams. The reason? Reigning Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes.
The Raptors have been adamant in refusing to add Barnes to any trade involving Kevin Durant. Meanwhile, the Nets aren’t accepting any offers without a top prospect (aka Barnes). Unless there is a change of heart on either side, we won’t see a KD-Toronto trade anytime soon.
So why do the Raptors get a B in the business department? Well, that’s because they didn’t trade Scottie Barnes to the Nets. The Raptors should try to mow down the Nets by catching Kevin Durant without giving up Barnes. So far they are doing a great job holding the line. Even if a KD trade doesn’t happen, the Raptors aren’t going to suffer too much. They still have a good core to build around and potentially make a deep playoff run.
Final grade: B
The Raptors had a strong 2022 NBA offseason to themselves. They didn’t have home runs like some of their Eastern Conference peers. On the contrary, they made small moves to improve their roster without sacrificing financial flexibility. It’s a pretty good result for a relatively young team like Toronto.