I already mentioned how the East has taken a big hit in star power. This means there are some big shoes to fill in the murky conference. It's safe to assume that Toronto will be eager to make their presence felt with a group of hungry youngsters ready to break out.
But just as intriguing as it is to have a solid core of youngsters, there needs to be a balance of veteran leadership also present in the roster construction. In recent years for Toronto, that veteran presence has been filled in by Garrett Temple, a highly respected figure in the NBA circle.
Temple is set to hit free agency this summer, and while a third-stint reunion has been expressed of interest; perhaps the Raptors should also look at alternative veteran signing scenarios in case it falls through. With that, I present three NBA veterans set to be free agents who the Toronto Raptors should consider for that open vacancy,
Taj Gibson
At 39 years old and having logged countless miles in the NBA, Taj Gibson could hang up his sneakers following the recent 2024-25 season.
Supporting this idea are Gibson's comments earlier this year, where he expressed interest in transitioning to a coaching role, specifically with the New York Knicks — though I wonder if Tom Thibodeau's firing might influence his decision now.
Nevertheless, nothing is for certain just yet, and for all we know, Gibson could be hitting free agency this summer. I see a highly knowledgeable veteran in Gibson, who has been part of both contenders and rebuilding rosters. That duality is perfect for the Toronto Raptors, who are currently in a retooling phase, blending win-now players with young prospects in their pursuit of the playoffs.
Kevon Looney
Here's a guy I've wanted on the Raptors for a while now — long-time Warriors center Kevon Looney.
Looney's role with the Dubs has seemingly decreased, especially as the team has shifted focus to younger centers like Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis taking the spotlight. He’s still a very capable veteran to add to any team, and while he doesn’t put up flashy numbers, Looney can dominate the boards at will and is a solid defender.
If the Raptors could somehow lure Looney away, beating out other suitors like the Lakers who desperately need a center, they would not only add a veteran with championship experience but also potentially solve their backup center needs. I see it as a win-win overall, but it would be a tall task for Toronto to pull off.
Kyle Lowry
This one is just a no-brainer, isn't it? Who wouldn't want to see the GROAT (Greatest Raptor of All-Time) back in town for one final run?
Well, it was Lowry himself who said some time ago that he wants to finish his career as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. But with all the hoopla and uncertainty surrounding that franchise, I’d still consider a Lowry reunion in Toronto to be a storybook ending everyone would love.
Lowry, somewhere down the line, is destined to become part of the Raptors' coaching staff; I mean, we saw glimpses of coach Lowry during his latter stages with the team. I think Lowry has missed a significant step as a productive player lately, and now he's largely winding down as he approaches the final countdown of his career.
But the wealth of knowledge from someone who has seen it all in Toronto goes without saying. Lowry should definitely consider a return to Toronto, though I have doubts it will come to fruition.