With free agency approaching, Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri will look to help turn the Raptors into a long waited title contending team. Can he do it, though? 

After a disappointing end to the season the Raptors would like to move forward and finally advance past the first round of the NBA playoffs. What will they need to do that? Glad you asked.

Team Needs: 

 - Veteran presence

 -  Defensive wing

 - Shot blocker

 - Upgrade at Power forward

The Raptors are in desperate need of a veteran presence in the locker room. Sadly Chuck Hayes won't cut it, but Tayshaun Prince might. Prince has spent 13 years in the NBA and has been on a championship team. Prince could come off the bench, play around 20 minutes a game and give you seven-to-nine points while defending at a high rate. The cost for Prince shouldn't be much as he is nearing the end of his basketball career. The Raptors should definitely give Prince a call as he'll be of great service.

Countless times during the year you'd see Raptor wings get easily beat by the dribble, and that needs to stop. Wesley Matthews fits the bill. According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the Raptors are very interested in Matthews. Matthews would be a great fit for the Raptors as they are in need of a defensive wing. Arguably one of the best two-way guards in the NBA, Matthews will also provide great shooting for the Raptors. Even though Matthews is still recovering from an Achilles tear he suffered in March, he still will be expecting a pay check at about $15 million. Matthews averaged 15.9 points, 2.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 60 games this past season with the Portland Blazers. Matthews will definitely be in talks with the Raptors, as there is great possibility we see him in Toronto next year.

A shot blocker has been a wish, actually a DREAM for the Raptors for years. A DeAndre Jordan type shot blocker isn't needed as he'll have plenty of suitors but a 27-year-old Brandan Wright would be satisfactory. Wrights' ability to shot block, rebound, and score around the rim at a high rate will definitely be a great fit for the Raptors. After being traded multiple times this season, Wright will test free agency, and the Phoenix Suns are interested in re-signing the shot blocking big, but the Raptors should at least give Wright a call. Wright could help Toronto improve drastically on the defensive end and his asking price shouldn't be a problem.

Since the departure of All-Star Chris Bosh, the Raptors haven't had a power forward anywhere close to his ability. That could change this summer, as big shot LaMarcus Aldridge reportedly "has an interest" for the Raptors according to Shams Charania of Real GM. Aldridge will be meeting with the Raptors this week as everyone's fingers will be crossed in Toronto. Aldridge is unexpected to re-sign with the Blazers and teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and surprisingly the Toronto Raptors are all possible destinations. Aldridge is coming off of his best season scoring wise, averaging 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds this past season with the Blazers. If Aldridge doesn't work out, there is always a plan B.

David West opted out of his contract with the Indiana Pacers and will test the waters of free agency this summer. The Raptors should definitely see West as a possible option if Aldridge doesn't work out. Now the Raptors have a chance to acquire West and add some depth to their frontcourt. West averaged 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in 28.7 minutes this past season with the Pacers. West should be a valuable acquisition for multiple teams and should definitely have many suitors to choose from. Offering David West a contract won't hurt the Raptors but only help.

With free agency looming closer than ever, this is the time where the Raptors can actually identify their position in the league and differ from pretenders to contenders.

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About the author
Libaan Osman
Toronto native. Team Manager of the Raptors section for VAVEL USA. Follow me on Twitter: @libaanstar1 for coverage of the NBA.