Toronto has given themselves financial breathing room in terms of commitment and could even clear more space if they decide to waive Amir Johnson and Tyler Hansbrough, although that probably isn't likely as of right now. The Raptors could decline to offer qualifying offers and have as much as $12 million in cap space this summer before you factor in their slotted salary for wherever their draft pick lands.
Considering the interest those two should draw and the relatively low cap holds their qualifying offers would command ($7.7 million for Patterson, $5.3 million for Vasquez), attempting to retain their restricted free agency rights wouldn't be a bad place holder while they get their plan into place. Vasquez and Patterson are both restricted free agents this summer if they receive qualifying offers from the Raptors. Salmons makes $7 million in 2014-15 but only $1 million of it is guaranteed if he's waived before J( per ShamSports). Of the four players they've acquired in this deal, only Hayes is definitely signed through next season. By moving the big money owed to Rudy Gay over this season and next season ($37.2 million total), the Raptors have seemingly punted on competing for the Atlantic division title (or have they?) and will begin setting themselves up for the future. Ever since Masai Ujiri took over during the summer, undoing the moves of Bryan Colangelo to find a light at the end of the tunnel that isn't an oncoming salary cap train has been the goal for this organization.
We've been wondering if the Toronto Raptors would start clearing the roster and begin the rebuilding process. Toronto Raptors acquire Greivis Vasquez, Patrick Patterson, John Salmons, and Chuck Hayes With the reported trade that the Sacramento Kings have moved four players to acquire Rudy Gay and two other players from the Toronto Raptors, we're taking a look at all of the moving parts and salary implications in the deal. Can Rudy Gay regain the level of play that got him the max contract money? (USATSI)