NBA: 5 teams that are impacted the most by Giannis’ max extension

James Harden defends Giannis Antetokounmpo (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)
James Harden defends Giannis Antetokounmpo (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are a team that many believed were quietly going to be indrenched in the chase of Giannis Antetokounmpo during the 2021 NBA offseason. However, with Giannis signing his extension, there are certainly more questions surrounding this team heading into the next offseason.

For one, how does Giannis’ decision impact the immediate future of Kyle Lowry? And secondly, does this front office believe that a trio of Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and Lowry is one that can continue to play a factor in the Eastern Conference? Lowry is a free agent after the season and there’s no guarantee that he’ll be back next season.

Interestingly enough, there’s not even a guarantee that Masai Ujiri will be back as the team’s general manager next season. After winning a championship, with no clear route to another one, this could be the ideal time for Ujiri to get a fresh start somewhere else (if that’s what he desires).

Giannis’ signing might’ve thrown a huge wrench into Toronto’s immediate plans.