Four Free Agent Bargains for the Raptors

As my previous article He-DOn’t Need To Come To Toronto stated, the Raptors don’t have a lot cap room to work with this offseason. So that means Brian Colangelo has to look for some bargains if he chooses to look at free agency for additions to the squad. Let’s take a look at some options he has available (projected cost of the player in parenthesis):

Please keep in mind we are again assuming that the Raptors do not re-sign Shawn Marion, Joey Graham, or Anthony Parker.

1. Channing Frye, SF\PF: I believe that Frye has been under-utilized while in Portland and would be a relatively inexpensive option here as a starting SF for the Raptors. It would actually take only a portion of the mid-level exception to acquire him, though the Raptors would have to sign him to an offer sheet as he is a restricted free agent. I’m thinking four-year, $13 million range for his terms. Frye rebounds well and loves to run the floor, kind of like the guy he'd be replacing, Shawn Marion.
2. Charlie Villanueva, SF\PF: Another restricted free agent. Charlie V would be coming back to Toronto a better player and with a desire to start. Rumors say he wants to play with LeBron (I would also want to play with him), but Charlie would bring length, rebounding (something he didn’t do in his first go-round with the Raptors) and shooting to a team in need here. Villanueva has shown that when he plays around 30 minutes a game, he’s good for 13 to 16 points and 7 rebounds per game. He'd likely cost more than Frye, but he still would come cheaper than Marion; four years, $20 million should get it done.
3. Zaza Pachuila, PF\C: While Pachulia would not solve any of the Raptors' SF problems, he would be an experienced backup that can play 20 minutes a game and step in if injuries become a problem for Toronto next year. Two years and $7 million should be enough to secure this active rebounder.
4. Jarrett Jack, PG\SG: While it is unlikely that this unrestricted free agent would end up in a Raptors uniform, he would solve a lot of the backcourt problems, as he can run the team from the PG position, allowing Calderon to remain fresh throughout the year. He also can play SG more than adequately. He is a strong ballhandler and has improved his long-range shooting (up to 35 percent last year). He actually may take up most of the mid-level exception, so he may not be a cost-effective option depending on what other moves are made. Expect figures around four years and $20 million.
   

Even though some of aformentioned guys are restricted this summer, I would personally love to see Frye in a Raptors uniform, as his length, youth, and athleticism would be very well suited for the SF positon and the rebounding he does from that spot would be a huge bonus.

If the Raptors take DeMar DeRozan in the draft next week, as current projections indicate (I hope his comments have been blown out of proportion), then you have the makings of a decent roster that can compete for a spot in the playoffs. Plus, there'd still be some payroll flexibility to possibly add someone else: Think Linas Kleiza, Chris Anderson, or Marvin Williams.

Regardless, this offseason may change our slogan from “In Brian We Trust” to “Brian Just Couldn’t Get It Done” if Colangelo doesn't make some smart moves.