Giannis Signing MASSIVE: What does the Future hold for Toronto?

Giannis Antetokounmpo signs a supermax contract (5 years, $228 Million) with the Milwaukee Bucks this afternoon, ending all the rumours of him being moved to a different contender. This is a sign of relief for Bucks organization as they could have lost the best player to ever play for the organization.

This leaves one question, what does this mean for other organizations that were pushing hard for the reigning MVP winner? The Miami Heat were one of the teams that were in on the Giannis sweepstakes but failed to complete a deal that would send Giannis to South Beach. The Heat could have been very dangerous adding Giannis especially since they just went to the finals this past season. The Miami Heat will still be competitive in the East with a young core led by Jimmy Butler.

The Golden State Warriors were inquiring about Giannis as well. Don't think there's more to say on this, we all know what would have happened! The Toronto Raptors were trying to stick their nose in on acquiring another superstar to make another run at a title. As we all know, the Toronto Raptors are “one superstar away” from contending for a second title. With Giannis off the board, who else is left for the 2021 Free Agency? What player(s) would fit the Raptors system the best?

Reunion with Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi is on a player option after the 2020 season. You would think if the LA Clippers can’t get past the 2nd or 3rd round, he would possibly look to get moved. We all know Toronto would be a great fit since you know, Toronto won a championship with him! It would be an easy transition as he knows the system, the coaches, the management, and all of the trainers. The chances are slim for him to come back but it would be super exciting to see Toronto back on the map to contend. We don't need to go into detail, we all know what this guy can do on the court!

Rudy Gobert

With the dismissal of Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, Rudy Gobert would be the perfect replacement. The Toronto Raptors did sign Alex Len and Aron Baynes to be the centres for this upcoming season, but I wouldn’t say they are upgrades to Ibaka and Gasol. A two-time defensive player of the year and made the all-defensive team four times and being 7 feet tall, Gobert would fit the Raptor’s system perfectly.

Victor Oladipo

If Kyle Lowry doesn’t resign with the Raptors, this would be a great substitute. Oladipo has improved every year he has been in the NBA. With a few serious injuries in his career, he is averaging 17.3 points per game. He is another player that a team can rely on to make baskets as well as shut down defensively when needed. Being a two-time Allstar and made the 2017-18 All-Defensive team, this proves that he is a solid player in this league. There were rumblings in the NBA bubble that Oladipo was talking to other players about possibly playing for them next season. One of the teams he was talking to was the Toronto Raptors. He could be the piece that the Raptors need to push deep into the playoffs.

Overall, there are a lot of players that can put the Raptors into another championship run. With the rumours come to an end with Giannis resigning with the Bucks, it’s time for the Raptors to look into the future. There are a lot of good players going to free agency so it’s time for Masai and Bobby Webster to get to work and look at some good options so the Raptors can have a chance at winning another title.