2021 NBA Free Agency: 3 reasons why Toronto Raptors shouldn't pursue Jarrett Allen

#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.