The Toronto Raptors' 2022 offseason has been both uneventful yet nerve-wracking for fans. On one hand, the team has not made any mind-boggling free agency signing to bolster their ranks. On the other hand, though, they have been constantly linked to a certain fellow from Brooklyn who demanded a trade. Because of that, fans have been bursting in anticipation about a potential Kevin Durant trade.
Amid all the chaos of the KD-to-Toronto rumors, it's easy to forget that the Raptors did make some note-worthy offseason moves to improve their roster. Let's take a look at how Masai Ujiri and the front office did this 2022 offseason, and whether their moves make sense or not.
Draft: B-
The Toronto Raptors' 2022 NBA draft was a fairly 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 forward-heavy rotation by drafting Arizona center Christian Koloko with the 33rd pick in the draft.
Koloko fits the forward/center mold that Masai Ujiri craves for his team. At 7'0 with a 7'5.25 wingspan, the Arizona product has the build of a mobile rim-protecting big who can occasionally switch on guards. He's already shown flashes of this 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' famed player development program will help him diversify his offensive game and improve more on defense.
It's not exactly a steal for the Raptors. We'll see how Koloko develops for the team next season, though.
Free Agency: B
One of the biggest concerns for the Raptors heading into the 2022 offseason was Chris Boucher. The Canadian forward bounced back from a lackluster first half of the season to provide his trademark rim protection and shooting off the bench. Many fans were worried that someone could potentially steal Boucher away from the team, further gutting their already weak center rotation.
Thankfully, the Raptors and Chris Boucher agreed to a three-year, $35 million contract to stay in Canada. The Raptors also re-signed another of their backup forwards in Thaddeus Young to a shorter and cheaper deal (two years, $16 million).
The biggest splash for the Raptors in the 2022 free agency market, though, is signing 2022 NBA champion Otto Porter Jr. to a two-year, $12 million deal. Porter Jr. revitalized his career in Golden State last season, proving that he could still be a valuable player to a championship contender. Now, he has parlayed that success into a better contract than his minimum salary last season.
Overall, these moves are solid, improving moves for the Raptors in free agency. They aren't exactly home-run moves, but they help the team for the next seasons while keeping some semblance of cap flexibility for a potential blockbuster trade.
Trades: B
The biggest trade chatter surround the Raptors in the 2022 NBA offseason is about a trade that is yet to happen. Kevin Durant's trade request has sent shockwaves around the league. After his request was made public, teams were immediately scrambling to field the best trade offer for the disgruntled former MVP.
One of the teams linked to KD was the Raptors, who have the assets to match any potential trade with 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 in any trade involving Kevin Durant. Meanwhile, the Nets are not taking any offers without a blue-chip prospect (a.k.a Barnes). Unless there's a change of heart from either side, we won't be seeing a KD-to-Toronto trade anytime soon.
So why do the Raptors get a B in the trade department? Well, it's because they haven't traded Scottie Barnes to the Nets. The Raptors should be trying to fleece the Nets by nabbing Kevin Durant without giving up Barnes. So far, they're doing a great job at holding the line. Even if a KD trade doesn't happen, the Raptors aren't going to be hurting too much. They still have a nice core to build around and potentially make a deep playoff run.
Final Grade: B
The Raptors had solid 2022 NBA offseason for themselves. They didn't have any home run plays like some of their peers in the Eastern Conference. Rather, they made small moves to improve their roster without sacrificing financial flexibility. That's a pretty good outcome for a relatively young team like Toronto.
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