JN wrote:Even if 2021 Giannis or another big FA is a longshot, we have now maintained full flexibility for 2021 (FA / Trading Picks / Bringing it Back), with the only cost being Ibaka. It hurts but is hardly crushing or something to get overly dramatic about.
We also have 2 players now with team options that are always a good value -- Baynes and Boucher. If they play well, they will be good contracts for retention in 2021/2022 or valuable assets at this year's deadline. If they play poorly they are gone.
This was always the case. The Raptors are attempting to be a very good team with a max slot available, and they've maintained all their future firsts. If not Giannis, maybe there's a trade to be made. It's a strategy for an attempt to get better. If they strike out, they still have options on being a very good team.
The people crying about this likely want Masai to be terrible for 5 years so that they can then complain that the promising player we drafted top 5 doesn't have "it" or doesn't have enough help. It's just always onto the next thing to cry about. What a way to follow the sport.