As we are now closing in on the end of July, the NBA Offseason is starting to slow down. Yes there can be deals made before training camp, but we all know that August is generally a month of rest for front office executives. One of those executives who appears to be finished is Masai Ujiri.
It’s been a busy month for the Raptors GM, as Ujiri has dabbled in every aspect of the NBA offseason; the draft, the trade market and free agency. Does he have one more move up his sleeve? Not sure he does, but let’s take a look at the moves he has made this offseason to shape the 2014-2015 Toronto Raptors.
Drafting Bruno Caboclo
Like every Raptor fan, I was a little disappointed on draft night when Ujiri drafted an 18 year old project from Brazil. The first thing I thought of was the most dreaded name in Raptors draft history; RAFAEL ARAUJO.
When there was names like Shabazz Napier, PJ Hairston, and Kyle Anderson left on the board, I really didn’t understand what Ujiri was doing. However, after hearing Ujiri’s explanation on draft night, the pick started to make sense. His first choice of Tyler Ennis was off the board, and with Caboclo likely to be drafted before their next pick, he reached at #20 to ensure they got a player he really wanted.
And let’s face it; can anyone tell me the last time a 20th overall pick really made a difference? In the past 10 years the only one is arguably Jameer Nelson, so I’m alright with Ujiri gambling. If the pick bombs then it will be no surprise, but if this kid turns out to be an all-star in 5 years, then Ujiri looks like a genius.
Acquired Lou Williams and Bebe Nogueira from the Atlanta Hawks for John Salmons
We all knew that Ujiri was not going to have the Raptors pay John Salmons $7 million next season. Salmons had a $1 million buyout clause, which I assumed Ujiri would exercise to gain cap space and use towards signing a free agent. Instead, Ujiri dealt Salmons to the Atlanta Hawks, who were desperate for cap space, for a versatile guard in Williams and a 2013 first round pick in Nogueira.
While Nogueira will likely play overseas next season, there are two key benefits of adding Lou Williams.
- He’s an insurance policy at either guard position. If injuries become an issue next season for the Raptors, Williams could step in play point guard off the bench, or he could even spot start at shooting guard if Derozan or Ross are out for a period of time. Also, come playoff time, Williams is another option if Ross struggles.
- His contract ends after this upcoming season. When Jodie Meeks is signing deals for $6 million per year, having Williams earn $5.4 million in the last year of his deal is another win for Ujiri. Much like Vasquez and Lowry last season, Williams will be playing for a new contract next season and will likely come into camp ready to produce. Williams expiring contract could also be valuable at the trade deadline, or Ujiri will just be able to let him walk at season’s end, which in turn will free up some cap space.
Traded Steve Novak and a second-round pick to the Utah Jazz for Diante Garrett
This was a cap clearing move by Ujiri. Novak was set to earn approximately $7 million over the next two seasons, and after Patrick Patterson replaced Novak as the stretch 4 off the bench last year, Novak became expendable. Throw in the fact that Ross, Lowry, Vasquez and Patterson all shot greater than 38% from three point land last season, Novak’s one-dimensional skill set was now redundant on this roster.
Re-Signed Greivis Vasquez, Patrick Patterson.
Signed James Johnson.
When Tyler Ennis went 18th overall to the Phoenix Suns, and with the lack of free agent point guards on the market, Ujiri made the right move in bringing back a fan favorite in Vasquez. Again, when you look at the contracts signed this offseason, Vasquez getting $13.5 million over 2 years is the cost of doing business. He proved he can play alongside Lowry last season, and showed that in crunch time, he is not afraid to make a big play. The fact that Vasquez is only on a two-year deal, and that he has a friendship with Kevin Durant, this move may bold well for the Raptors in the summer of 2016.
The Patterson move is another win for Ujiri. Being the first big off the bench, Patterson’s versatility on the offensive end was a key to the Raptors success last season. For the next three years, Patterson will earn $6 million per season, likely making Amir Johnson, who’s in the last year of his deal, expendable after this year.
Ujiri also brought back former Raptor James Johnson on a two year, $5 million deal. With Joe Johnson man handling the Raptor wings during the playoffs, Ujiri needed to bring in a wing defender and Johnson fits the bill. Not sure how many minutes Johnson will see next season, but he will fill a defensive need when necessary and is only on the books for two seasons.
Re-signed Kyle Lowry
Raptor fans were worried when reports surfaced that Houston, Los Angeles and Miami were all in the mix for Lowry this offseason. However, the lure of Hollywood or South Beach was no match for Ujiri and his 4 year, $48 million contract offer; which will make Lowry the 7th highest paid point guard next season (per spotrac.com).
Lowry was the heart and soul of the Raptors last season, and when you see Gordon Hayward and Chandler Parsons getting paid like their franchise changing players; Lowry at $12 million per season is a fair price. Going into his prime, Lowry now has his big deal and everyone will now be watching to see if he can continue to build on last season’s performance.
When you factor all the moves made by Ujiri, the Raptors appear to bringing back the same squad that got them the Atlantic Division title. Throw in a couple tweaks to improve the roster and it’s safe to say playoff basketball should return to Toronto next season.
Is this a championship caliber roster? Not quite, but this team will once again be fun to watch, and with three months left in the off-season you never know what Masai Ujiri has up his sleeve.
Toronto Raptors Projected 2014-2015 Depth Chart
PG – Lowry, Vasquez
SG – Derozan, Williams, Daniels
SF – Ross, Johnson, Fields, Caboclo
PF – Johnson, Patterson
C – Valanciunas, Hayes, Hansbrough
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