The Toronto Raptors are looking to make some waves this offseason with a big signing. The two players reportedly at the top of their list are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant. The Raptors have struggled to compete with the best teams in the NBA since their title-winning season that saw the likes of Kawhi Leonard leading the Canadian team to the championship title. With this season throwing up some truly memorable upsets, the Raptors are looking to make a splash in the sea that is the offseason.
The Raptors were once the envy of the league, what happened?
The Toronto Raptors have been the pride of Canadian basketball since Vince Carter amazed the world with his high-flying dunks and stellar performances. Carter was one of the most dominant forces in the NBA at the time and propelled the Raptors to new heights. In 2004, the Raptors made the questionable move to trade Carter to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Alonzo Mourning, Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, and two first-round draft picks.
It would take some time before the Raptors were able to make their way back to the pinnacle of the basketball world. In 2019, the Raptors were able to win the NBA Finals by beating the Golden State Warriors in 6 games, thanks in part to their star players like Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam. Since then, they have struggled to replicate the kind of performances that led them to the top of the NBA.
Last year was much of the same for the Raptors; besides acquiring the services of Brandon Ingram, they never seemed like a team capable of reaching the postseason. That might be changing soon, as many executives have reportedly been hearing that the Raptors are looking to catch a “big fish” this offseason. Who that big fish might be will surprise you.
What are the Raptors’ options in landing that elusive “big fish”?
One player who has been on the tip of the tongue of nearly every NBA pundit’s trade discussions is Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Nigerian-born center has spent a long time in Milwaukee and is reportedly seeking greener pastures elsewhere next season. If the Raptors can sign Giannis, they might have a chance at building a new squad around one of the best players in the NBA.
Another, more likely option for the Raptors is Kevin Durant. He is currently signed to the Phoenix Suns, but has not played as many minutes as he and his coaches may have wanted this year. In the twilight of his career, he is surely seeking that elusive chance at an NBA title before he retires. With other teams in contention, the decision for Durant might be a tough one as to where to go next year.
If the Toronto Raptors can achieve the goal of signing either Antetokounmpo or Durant, they can reinvigorate the popularity that the club found in the 2000s and later on with their Championship-winning run. Giannis still has a lot of time left on his playing career, while Durant is facing the far end of his time in the NBA. Regardless of who they go for, the Raptors are looking to make headlines this offseason.
Can the Toronto Raptors challenge for the playoffs next season?
If they do manage to get either Antetokounmpo or Durant, the Raptors can position themselves quite favorably to challenge the established teams in the NBA at the moment. For Antetokounmpo, the challenge is to find a team that allows him to play his way and establish himself as a franchise player. For Durant, the focus needs to be on keeping fit and healthy in an attempt to extend his career by a few more years. The Raptors are the only Canadian team to win the NBA title. Can the side reach those heights once again?
