As reported earlier by Sportsnets Micheal Grange, the Toronto Raptors have waived veteran center Bruno Fernando. With his release, the Raptors have just 14 players on guaranteed contracts for the remainder of the season. By clearing a roster space this deep into the season, Toronto has found itself with a malleable roster ahead of the looming February trade deadline. Now, how can the Toronto Raptors leverage its newfound roster flexibility?
How the Raptors Can Leverage New Roster Flexibility
Cycling 10-Day Contracts
Alongside his report of Fernando’s waving, Grange also indicated Toronto is expected to use the roster spot on 10-day contracts, at least in the short term. 10-day contracts are an excellent tool for rebuilding teams, providing a low-risk opportunity to evaluate talent outside the organization. They also offer a chance to call up someone from the 905 Raptors to see how they perform with the main club. 10-day contracts often don’t lead to anything, but maybe the Raptors can find a hidden gem with one. Plus, with the team desperately needing more forward depth and size on the roster overall, it is a perfect chance to take a closer look at some G League talent.
Leverage In Trades
Making trades has only become more complex under this new CBA, which has harsher limitations on teams over the cap. The current Jimmy Butler situation perfectly exemplifies the latest difficulties in making trades under this CBA. Almost all reported/mocked deals involving Butler require a third team to help facilitate the deal. With Toronto clearing a roster spot, they have positioned themselves perfectly to be that third team able to take on extra players. The Raptors also have $40 million in expiring contracts between Bruce Brown, Chris Boucher, and Davion Mitchell, allowing them to take on any bad contracts involved in a potential deal. With this season going nowhere, the Raptors must be aggressive in the trade market, using all of their advantages to get more assets.
Converting Two-Way Deals
Lastly, by clearing a guaranteed roster space, the Raptors can now convert one of their two-way players to a standard deal if they choose. If the Raptors convert a player’s contract, the team opens up their third two-way contract slot. Then, they will have until March 4th to sign someone new. Looking at Toronto’s current two-way players, Jamison Battle has the best chance of getting his deal upgraded. So far, Battle has appeared in 31 of the Raptors’ 36 games. Battle is averaging six points for the season while shooting 43.1% from deep, which is tied for first amongst rookies with a minimum of 25 attempted threes. As a two-way player, he can only suit up in an additional 19 games for Toronto before hitting the 50-game limit.
Battle has been with the 905 over the last few games. However, with Toronto’s continued shooting struggles and injury problems, it’s hard not to see Battle playing at least 19 more games this season. Thankfully, the Raptors can play it slow with the March 4th deadline and roster flexibility.
The Last Word On Toronto
However the Raptors chose to leverage their open roster space, one thing’s for sure: having more flexibility ahead of the trade deadline is always a good thing, and the Raptors’ uses of it are varied.
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