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The Toronto Raptors entered the 18-19 season with plenty of momentum, but few predicted that the team would be among the contenders to compete for the NBA championship. Nevertheless, the Raptors defeated the Sixers and the Bucks to advance from the Eastern Conference, and they also went on to beat an injury-ravaged Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
The dust has now settled on Toronto's triumphant season, and with the free agent market now open, all focus has shifted to the 19-20 campaign. The Raptors are expected to make further additions to consolidate their status as the NBA's best team, and while departures are likely, here are three players that Toronto need to keep around.
#3 Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol has activated his one-year player option for the 19-20 season and is set to earn around $25.6 million for the upcoming campaign. The 34-year-old Spaniard had the opportunity to become a free-agent, although Gasol opted in as he looks to build upon a hugely successful six-month spell.
The Raptors could still attempt to trade away the final year of Gasol's deal, although it is difficult to justify parting with the veteran. Despite his advancing years, Gasol managed to average 13.6 points and 7.9 rebounds in 79 regular-season games, and he also averaged 9.4 points and 6.4 rebounds over 24 playoff games.
Admittedly, Gasol's salary remains overvalued, although he may be willing to take a veteran's deal at the end of the forthcoming season. Due to this, it makes sense to keep Gasol around for at least another season, and the Spaniard should continue to make a positive impact both on and off the court.
#2 Danny Green
Danny Green joined the Raptors as part of the Kawhi Leonard trade, and during his time in Toronto, Green has further enhanced his reputation as one of the NBA's best 3-and-D players. During the regular season, the 32-year-old was excellent on the defensive end, and he also connected with a career-high 45% of his attempts from three-point range.
Just like Leonard, Green is now an unrestricted free agent, although Green has stated his desire to return to the Raptors for another season. The former San Antonio man has earned $10 million per year over the past four seasons, and he will offer plenty of value if the Raptors can sign him to a similar salary.
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers have been credited with an interest in Green, although the Raptors have the resources to secure his future, and a new long-term deal should be an immediate priority.
#1 Kawhi Leonard
Toronto's championship-winning season was built on the collective efforts of a well-fused roster, but there is no denying that Kawhi Leonard was the star of the show. After slowly regaining his form and fitness during the regular season, the 27-year-old enjoyed a historic postseason, while also putting forth his claim as the NBA's best player.
Over 24 playoff games, Leonard averaged 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, and Leonard's efforts resulted in a second Finals MVP title. Memorable moments included his Game 7 buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers and a 36 points/12 rebounds performance against the Warriors in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
Toronto has plenty of other talent on its roster, but signing Leonard to a new deal would secure their status as the front-runners for the 2020 title. Without Leonard, the Raptors are unlikely to make the East Finals. Ultimately, Leonard's decision will change the course of the franchise, and the Raptors must continue to do everything in their power to secure the superstar.
