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NBA Free Agency 2016: 5 targets for Toronto Raptors

By Brad Weiss

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 25: We the North couldn't get it done tonight in the game between the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls at the Air Canada Centre. (David Cooper/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 25: We the North couldn't get it done tonight in the game between the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls at the Air Canada Centre. (David Cooper/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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Jan 25, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) blocks a shot by Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Rockets defeated the Pelicans 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) blocks a shot by Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Rockets defeated the Pelicans 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

69. . PF. New Orleans Pelicans. Ryan Anderson. 5. player

The Toronto Raptors like Ryan Anderson, and he would fit in nicely in the rotation as a stretch 4 who can score. Last February, according to Vincent Ellis of the Detroit Free Press, the Raptors were very interested in bringing Anderson in via a trade, though it never materialized.

This off-season, Anderson is an unrestricted free agent, and is free to sign with whoever he wants. The Raptors give him an opportunity to play for a winner, and his skill set would work well with Lowry, DeRozan, and Valanciunas. Toronto has a legitimate chance to be a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference for years to come, and a player like Anderson can help in the starting lineup and off the bench.

The 6-10 Anderson averaged 17 points and six rebounds in 66 appearances last season for the Pelicans, shooting nearly 37% from the three-point line. He has the ability to score from anywhere, and would bring the defenders out to guard him, freeing the lanes for DeRozan and Lowry.

Anderson, 28, made only $8.5 million dollars last season, and would be cheaper option than the rest of the forwards available this free agency period. He recently bought a home near Los Angeles, where he is from, so the Lakers may get the first shot to sign him.

However, the Lakers are a long way away from being relevant in a very tough Western Conference, so Toronto would give him a better opportunity to compete for a ring.

Next: 4. Luol Deng

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