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The Toronto Raptors are approaching one of the most important off-seasons of the franchise. After failing to defend their NBA championship, the Raptors should now decide if they want to shake up their roster or try to retain the same set of players for next year. In this article, we'll take a look at 5 players who are unlikely to return to the team based on free agency scenarios and recent NBA trade rumors.
NBA Trade Rumors: 5 players unlikely to return to the Toronto Raptors roster for the 2020-21 season
Despite having a successful regular season, the Toronto Raptors came up short against the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs this year. While they're still a legitimate threat in the East, key players on their team are set to enter the free agency market, and they have a challenging task to retain some of them.
#1. Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet is the biggest name in the 2020 NBA free agency. The 26-year-old had the best season of his career this year as he scored 17.6 points and shot 39% from the 3-point line.
According to NBA trade rumors, multiple teams are pursuing the 2019 champion to improve their team's shooting and playmaking abilities. It might be hard for the Toronto Raptors to compete with other offers and retain the point guard this offseason.
#2. Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol is definitely not the player he once used to be. The Spaniard averaged just 7.5 points and 6.2 rebounds. As the 35-year-old enters free agency this year, the latest NBA trade rumors suggest that Gasol is contemplating a return to Spain next year.
Even though his return to Europe isn't confirmed by the team, Gasol is no longer fit to be the starting center on a championship roster. The Raptors will most likely let him walk away in the 2020 free agency.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: 5 players unlikely to be back with the Brooklyn Nets for the 2020-21 season
#3. Serge Ibaka
Serge Ibaka exceeded all expectations and had one of his best seasons with the Toronto Raptors in 2019-20. He did a bit of everything on the court for the Raptors and ended up with 15.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and shot an impressive 38.5% from downtown.
At age 31, Ibaka still has a few good years left in him and can contribute to his team on either end of the court. NBA trade rumors suggest he'll likely get multiple offers in the offseason, and the Raptors will have a hard time matching them.
#4. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson joined the Toronto Raptors during the 2019 free agency. Averaging just 7 points per game, the 25-year-old's performance was underwhelming in the recently-concluded season.
Though Hollis-Jefferson has the potential to improve, his lack of shooting and defensive rebounding will force the Raptors to consider other options in the 2020 free agency.
#5. Norman Powell
Norman Powell had a breakout year this term and was one of the most improved players in the league. The shooting guard averaged 16 points per game and shot the 3s at an impressive 39.9%.
While he has the ability to be one of the best guards in the league in the future, some NBA trade rumors suggest that the Toronto Raptors might sell high and trade Powell in the offseason. He'll be one of their biggest assets if they want to bring a veteran star player to play alongside Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam.
