Raptors Dish: Who Will Return for Toronto in 2009-10?

Through this disappointing 2008-2009 campaign, Raptor fans have had very little to cheer.

They've seen their offseason acquisition traded mid-season for a player who will likely sign elsewhere next, a franchise player who's failed to show up, a point guard they anointed an All-Star turn into the source of the team's woes, and two coaches fail to inject this team with anything that even resembles pride, desire, and heart.

But through the dark, there is generally some light. While there may be up to seven or eight Raptors returning to Toronto next season, these are the three that will not be moved come hell or high water.

The We-Won't-Move-'Emables

Andrea Bargnani

If you were one of the fans who questioned this guy's desire, what Andrea Bargnani has shown this season should certainly put to rest those doubts. Since stepping in for O'Neal, he's been a 20-point per game scorer, improving his rebounding and actually playing solid defense.

Furthermore, far too many times over these past four months, he's looked like the only Raptor who even cared.

He's shown emotion that was lost in translation through his first two seasons, he's shown the ability to show up in key moments, the mental toughness to fight bad starts and he's shown that given a full season under the role—he's an All-Star.

There are few player's in this league who are less likely to be moved this summer than Bargnani. Lebron, Kobe, Wade, Durant, Paul, Deron Williams, Yao, Duncan, Rose, and Brandon Roy come to mind.

For all the mistakes Colangelo has made as a GM—Bargnani has proven that he wasn't one of them. 

His talent, size, and potential make him a player the Raptors will likely have around for the foreseeable future.

Furthermore, credit Colangelo for not succumbing to the temptation of pleasing Bosh by trading Bargnani for immediate help. The vultures had sensed blood in the air and put in offers for Bargnani this offseason.

Had Colangelo given in, I certainly can't imagine how many Raptor fans would be on suicide watch given what Bargnani has become this season.

Roko Ukic

While his numbers aren't staggering, his place on this team is cemented in stone. There is nothing short of him being a deal-breaker for a superstar that is going to see him in another uniform next season.

His work ethic, creativity, size, and coveted defensive ability at the lead guard spo, make Ukic an indispensable asset.

When Bryan Colangelo became the GM of the Raptors mid-season nearly three seasons ago, his first question was "Do we have enough to bring Ukic over?"

This team has been extremely high on him and if he can improve his jump shot, he's capable of being a contributor on a good playoff team.

Pops Mensah-Bonsu

I remember commenting to my girlfriend before Pop's first game as a Raptor that he was my third favorite player on the team already. 

"But you havn't even seen him play!" she remarked.

Actually, if you've been watching the international scene, or the NBDL, you're all too familiar with what Mensah-Bonsu can bring. He's worth signing for a multi-year deal this offseason, and I certainly hope the Raptors stop showcasing him so much because some team going to throw some substantial cash his way if the word gets out.

He's an ideal hustle guy off the bench, and can easily be the Raptors' version of Chris Anderson, Anderson Varajao, or the handful of other energy guys who have destroyed this team over the past three seasons.

I would keep him here at something close to three years, seven million. He's more than worth it, and it'd be great to see him have a chance to stick with one team. I have not seen a standing ovation for any player this season prior to the response Pops received from the fans as the Raptors blew out the Pacers.

It was genuinely heartwarming to see the fans recognize him. I'm sure he'll carry that moment with him.

You'll Be Back, Unless Someone Else Wants You Enough

Jose Calderon

The Raptors won't have the resources to replace him unless they acquire a point-guard for Bosh. He's signed to a fresh deal, and considering this season was spent with a bum hamstring, perhaps Calderon can return to being the player the Raptors thought they re-signed last summer.

Jason Kapono

This move is mainly due to the fact that his contract is brutal. Considering what he brings, and he's had among the worst seasons of his career shooting this ball this season. He would likely go in a trade with Bosh, but this would only lessen the value of what the Raptors were getting back.

Joey Graham/Delfino/Parker

I'm sure one of these three players, if not two will be back. Having three would be redundant. If the Raptors however acquire a star wing for Bosh and move Kapono in the process, all three of these guys could be Raptors again next season.

Marcus Banks

Much like Kapono, he's a former member of the Heat that is locked into this roster due to the fact that he is grossly overpaid. If the Raptors can extract some productivity out of him, it'll be a bonus.

Nathan Jawai

Considering he had the set-back early this season with his heart, the Raptors will likely use the coming season to evaluate their second rounder over a full healthy season. I doubt they're attached to him, but with his attitude and work ethic, I doubt they're itching to move him either. He's got some potential yet.

Never a Better Time To Say Goodbye

Shawn Marion

There is about a 75 percent chance that Marion is elsewhere next season. This team isn't a contender, it isn't located in a warm climate, and the style of play is not suited to the Matrix.

The Raptors' best bet is a sign-and-trade. Unless something dramatic happens between now and the end of the season, Marion is the least likely Raptor to return.

Kris Humphries

The Raptors have actively tried to deal him two times already, and I'm not certain how much of a market there will be for him this coming offseason considering he's sat out the majority of the season with an injury.

All things considered, he's a hustle guy on a decent contract who also happens to be the youngest player on this team outside of O'Bryant. There will surely be a handful of teams who wouldn't mind taking him back in a big deal.

Patrick O'Bryant

Patrick O'Bryant has squandered his lottery-pick status and will likely be sleep-walking his way to the Euroleague next season. We hardly knew ya. He will not be back. You can lock this one and throw it into the bank.

Chris Bosh

This will be the Raptors' big move of the offseason. Along with the return on Marion, a lottery pick, and the mid-level exception, this will be the fourth and largest chip the Raptors will have to re-structure this team.

While I've been for trading Bosh for nearly three seasons now, it seems many have quietly entertained the idea this offseason. Every media source has him leaving, and where there's smoke, there is generally fire.

One might argue that even if Bosh had stuck it out and signed a max-level deal, the Raptors would be incapable of surrounding him with the players he needs to win.

Moving Bosh could prove to be extremely difficult due to the fact that to get anything substantial back in return, the Raptors would have to convince their trading partner that Bosh was willing to stay.

This limits the teams that Bosh can possibly be moved to, and currently, the only teams I see with the resources to land him without completely dismantling their core group are Chicago, Golden State, and  depending on how high the Raptors are on Michael Beasley,  the Miami Heat.

One thing is certain, Bosh will not be a Raptor in 2011. Will he be shipped this offseason? It certainly seems likely. I'd say there is a 60 percent chance he is shipped this offseason.