Report: Raptors, Patterson Agree To 3 Year, $18 Million Deal

“@GoodmanESPN: Patrick Patterson has signed a 3-year, $18 million deal with the Toronto Raptors, source told ESPN.”

First reported by Jeff Goodman of ESPN, the Toronto Raptors and power forward Patrick Patterson have agreed in principle to a 3-year, $18 million deal. The deal will not be made official until after the moratorium of July 11th.

Patterson was first acquired by the Toronto Raptors back in December 2013; a major asset in a trade sending former SF, Rudy Gay to the Sacramento Kings. Along with Patterson, was Greivis Vasquez, and centre Chuck Hayes.

2Pat was a big catalyst in the resurgence of the team during the 2013-2014 campaign after being 4-12 through the first quarter of games. Since that deal, the Raptors became a quickly rising threat in the East, clinching their first playoff spot in six years, and a second Atlantic Division championship.

The strengths Patterson possesses were demonstrated in the past season. First, offensively, Patterson is quite skilled, especially when it comes to shooting the ball. Patterson has become an epitome of the stretch four, or the type of stretch four that the Raptors needed. *ahem* Bargnani *ahem*

Along with the strength in shooting the ball, he is an aggressive rebounder, and solid post-defender.

His weaknesses however, are that he isn’t the best of low-post offensive players; struggles with very limited moves with his back to the basket, and lacks the foot-work. He is also undersized for his position, making it easier for taller, more physically impounding bigs to have their way. Patterson is listed at 6’9.

This deal makes a lot of sense for both sides, however, better for Patterson than the Raptors, considering each year a $6 million dollar salary is being pair out. However, Patterson has proven to be a wonderful, and consistent asset to the club. Stretch four, rebounding, energy, and defence; all these skills he provided last season, and will be providing for the future, are major necessities for the Raptors’ success.

With Amir likely starting to wear down, and few stretch-fours capable of providing all of his abilities, Raptor fans should be happy at where the roster stands. Expect to see more of Patterson in the 2014-15 season.

Greivis, you’re next.