The Toronto Raptors not only passed up the opportunity to make a difference by acquiring Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers, but they have effectively ruled themselves out of the Jrue Holiday sweepstakes, despite the fact that he is very certain to leave Portland.
Given his All-Star pedigree, stellar record as an on-ball defender, and history of postseason success, many of the Raptors’ fiercest competitors are falling over themselves to add Holiday to their squad.
The New York Knicks are attempting to acquire Holiday, according to Ian Begley of SNY. A backcourt of Holiday and Jalen Brunson could be exactly what Toronto doesn’t want to see with years of extra first-round selections and a couple extra tradeable contracts.
The update from Boston Globe’s Adam Himmselsbach isn’t much better for Toronto. While there is a considerable difference in what the Boston Celtics are ready to give up, the team’s chase of Holiday “remains alive” before Media Day, according to reports.
According to Blake Murphy, Makur Maker, whose rights were purchased by Raptors 905, signed a non-guaranteed contract that is likely an Exhibit 10 deal. Maker, the cousin of former lottery pick Thon Maker, was a 5-star high school recruit who committed to HBCU Howard. His college career only lasted two games.
Bleacher Report properly recognized the Raptors’ biggest question coming into Media Day festivities, as the writers question the team’s direction. By refusing to sell away talent while also doing little to cement themselves as a win-now squad outside of the addition of Jakob Poeltl, the organization’s method appears perplexing.
Josh Primo, a former San Antonio Spurs lottery pick who was dismissed after exposing himself to many women, signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers after the NBA punished him. The NBA suspended Primo for four games as punishment for what happened in San Antonio.
According to the Boston Globe, Blake Griffin is thinking about retiring. In his prime with the Clippers and (briefly) the Detroit Pistons, he was named All-NBA five times and an All-Star six times, but injuries and age have taken their toll on a player who relied on athleticism and dunking.
Will Toronto be sorry for not going all out after the holidays?
