NBA Rumors: Raptors Looking To Retain Their Free Agents

The Toronto Raptors have a couple of free agent decisions on their own roster to make this offseason, and league sources have told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype that they want to retain both C/F Chris Boucher and F Thaddeus Young. 

According to Raptors beat reporter Blake Murphy, speaking with Scotto on the HoopsHype podcast, the Raptors have about $31M under the tax line, and "that’s basically for Chris Boucher, Thad and the mid-level exception."

Murphy notes that with the MLE being around $10M, that leaves about $21M to split between Boucher and Young and "some roster fillers". He thinks that should be enough to get it done. 

Although many teams will be sniffing around the 29-year-old, and he could get some unexpected offers, Boucher has become a big part of the Raptors team, and Murphy still believes that the $10M range should keep Boucher in Toronto, if the contract length works. 

Boucher had a bit of an off-year, averaging 9.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and just about one block per game. But he had a strong second half of the season, becoming an integral piece as the first big man off the bench. 

Young was brought in at the trade deadline, and fit the team culture and on-court play seamlessly. He's a great veteran presence who the Raptors would like to keep around despite his advancing age (turns 34 next week). 

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports