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The Toronto Raptors have been exploring several options to upgrade their roster for next season. As per NBA rumors, they are among the top suitors for center Jarrett Allen in the 2021 NBA Free Agency.
Allen is a restricted free agent this summer but could continue his stay at the franchise. That's because the former Brooklyn Nets big is perceived as a core piece in the Cavs' current roster, and the 2016 champions will likely match offers from other teams to re-sign the 23-year old.
The Toronto Raptors' interest in Allen hasn't abated, though. Shams Charania of The Athletic wrote the following regarding the Canadian franchise's interest in the player:
"There’s mutual interest between center Jarrett Allen and the Cavaliers on a new deal, but the Toronto Raptors are expected to be among the strong suitors for the restricted free agent, according to sources. Toronto has attempted to trade for Allen in the past, sources said."
In 51 games for the Cavaliers, Jarret Allen has averaged 13.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per outing. The Toronto Raptors view Allen as a long-term solution for their woes at the five. They played a small-ball lineup for most of the 2020-21 season, but the tactic largely backfired.
But is Jarret Allen the answer to the Toronto Raptors' woes at the moment? In terms of his production and influence on the court, the answer would be yes. But from a financial perspective and the current needs of the raptors, persisting with Allen would be a poor option.
On that note, let's take a look at three reasons why the Toronto Raptors shouldn't pursue Jarrett Allen in the 2021 NBA Free Agency.
#3 Finding a center isn't the only problem the Toronto Raptors have this off-season
The Toronto Raptors are one of the few sides with a decent amount of cap space available. They have roughly $23 million to work with this off-season, which they would like to use to add more depth in the roster and fill in multiple spots. Meanwhile, Allen is expected to command a nine-figure multi-year deal.
If the Toronto Raptors are looking to test the Cleveland Cavaliers' resolve to re-sign their young star, offering a deal around $100 million is likely the only way they could come close to luring him to play for them. If Allen does end up signing that big a deal, it will take a significant hit on the Raptors' ambitions to build a well-rounded roster.
Toronto only have four players under contract and with guaranteed salaries. Moreover, Pascal Siakam is expected to be out of action till November after undergoing a shoulder surgery.
The Toronto Raptors, in recent years, have been the kind of team that balances their present and future really well. Considering the same, it does not seem like a sensible proposition to spend big on one position.
You may also like: NBA Trade Rumors: Toronto Raptors unwilling to give up key assets to acquire Ben Simmons.
#2 There are cheaper alternatives for Toronto Raptors than Jarrett Allen in the 2021 NBA Free Agency
The 2021 free-agency class for big men isn't too deep, but there are some decent targets around for the Toronto Raptors to consider. Among them are Richaun Holmes, Andre Drummond and even Khem Birch, the Toronto Raptors' own free agent. All three players would command less money than Jarrett Allen.
Holmes is coming off a career-best season with the Sacramento Kings, averaging 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 63.7% from the field. NBA rumors in the past have suggested that Holmes, a restricted free agent this summer, is looking for a four-year $80 million contract.
Multiple teams are interested in him, but it remains to be seen if teams will offer him that kind of money. The Raptors could look to offer something less than what Holmes is expecting and test what his market could look like. They could also consider using a significant portion of their $9.5 million non-tax-payer mid-level exception in negotiation talks with the center.
Andre Drummond is also an option the Raptors can consider. Before he made his move to the LA Lakers, Drummond averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season. NBA rumors suggested in the past that Drummond could be offered a two-year $35 million deal in free agency.
However, that was when he had just signed with the Lakers. Since then, there is a possibility that his market value could have dropped. That's because he did not have a successful stint with the Purple and Gold.
He can still scale his All-Star caliber season with a different team, though, so the Raptors should consider acquiring him, should he be available at a cut-price. The Raptors could also use the full or most of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception in negotiations with Drummond.
Khem Birch is another option the Raptors could target. He averaged 11.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in his 19-game stint with the Raptors last season, making 17 starts and playing 30 minutes on average per game. Birch also shot a respectable 55% from the floor on nine attempts per game. He has a tremendous amount of athleticism and decent basketball IQ at both ends of the floor.
The 29-year-old appears to be the most economical option for the Raptors, and will likely sign a veteran minimum contract. Birch is also a Canadian, which could convince him to return with the Raptors next season. He also proved to be a great fit as a starter, which gives Toronto a valid reason to consider him as a high-potential target.
Lastly, if Evan Mobley does not get picked in the top three in this year's draft, the Toronto Raptors could opt to acquire him with their No. 4 pick and resolve their woes at the five.
#1 The Toronto Raptors aren't likely to contend for the NBA title for a while
The Toronto Raptors are looking far from a team that would top the Eastern Conference. To compound their woes, their veteran leader Kyle Lowry is likely to leave. Moreover, the Raptors are contemplating trading their biggest asset, Pascal Siakam, and are also explored trades to move up and down in the 2021 NBA Draft.
It is clearly going to take some time before they figure out their roster construction and the way they wish to carry out their rebuilding process. Signing Jarret Allen on a huge deal could jeopardize their rebuilding. Unless they have a set plan and direction, acquiring a player of Jarrett Allen's stature on a high deal won't necessarily make them a title contender again.
Allen is a quality player, but not one who could change the Raptors' fortunes in the immediate future.
