The Toronto Raptors are 3-0 and facing an opponent with some exploitable flaws in the Dallas Mavericks. That game tips off at 8:30 on Sportsnet One, but despite the first 4-0 start in franchise history hanging in the balance – on the 20th anniversary of the team’s first game, no less – Tuesday’s focus remains on Terrence Ross.
The man of the hour warming up in Dallas. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/nPJlyX2fKV
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) November 4, 2015
Reminder: Terry Ross got paid
The Raptors signed Ross to a three-year, $31-million extension late Monday, a figure that warrants a day or two of processing. The new NBA economy is requiring all of us to re-calibrate how we think of contract figures, and Ross’ being an inconsistent and polarizing player doesn’t help clarify the situation. Still, good for Ross for getting that “Larry Bird” (even if reporting of the deal has since changed from $33 million to $31 million – can we say he got that Brent Baryy?)
Congrats T Ross GOT THAT LARRY BIRD
— James Johnson (@IamJJ3) November 3, 2015
Does Ross’ deal spell the end of DeMar DeRozan in Toronto?
One of the initial reactions to Ross’ salary I saw is the assumption that the Raptors are hedging against the possibility of DeRozan leaving this summer. I don’t think that’s the case, really. It’s a consideration, sure, but this is a bet on Ross improving, on the market exploding, and on general manager Masai Ujiri’s ability to build through trades rather than through free agency.
Barring injury, DeRozan will decline his $10.05-million player option for 2016-17, making him an unrestricted free agent. But DeRozan, as he always has, is talking like he wants to be a Raptor for life. Here’s DeRozan on Tuesday, courtesy of Sportsnet:
Since I’ve been here – I’ve been here longer than everybody – and nobody has stressed being a Toronto Raptor more than me. With that, that speaks it for itself – the type of guy I am when it comes to this organization, especially sticking with these core guys. We have a chemistry that we’ll continue to build on and there’s no question about it that I want to be with these guys. Everybody knows that. That’s why I never get questioned in it – and they (the organization) never get questioned on it too much anyway – cause it’s a mutual thing.
And before anyone suggests (again) that the Raptors simply get an extension done with DeRozan now and avoid his pending free agency: Stop. The collective bargaining agreement is incredibly restricting for veteran contract extensions, and DeRozan would be foolish to sign an extension under the conditions allowed. The most the Raptors could offer DeRozan right now is roughly $34.8 million over three additional seasons, a laughable amount given DeRozan’s likely market this summer and yes, in comparison to the deal Ross just got.
DeRozan may not be a “max player” in the eyes of most, but he’s a good one, and there’s going to be far more money than talent on the 2016 market. Asking DeRozan to sign on for $35 million over three years when he may wind up commanding $25 million annually next summer is a call for far too much goodwill.
Game Notes
Everything is normal on Toronto’s side of the ledger for Tuesday. The Mavericks are nearing a return to health but remain without JaVale McGee. In addition, Chandler Parsons is on an undisclosed minutes limit, and Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews are closely removed from injuries of their own. You can check out the full preview here.
This is the first of four straight and 10-of-12 on the road, and things grow more difficult in Oklahoma City tomorrow. The Raptors are two-point favorites and need to capitalize on a winnable road game here.
