The Toronto Raptors are entering a pivotal period as they seek to reestablish themselves as playoff contenders in the NBA. Since capturing their first title in 2019, the franchise has undergone a significant transformation, moving on from the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, and Pascal Siakam. The current roster is anchored by a new generation of talent, notably Scottie Barnes, and bolstered by recent acquisitions and promising rookies. With the 2025-2026 season approaching, the Raptors’ strategy will hinge on maximizing their young core, integrating new additions, and making calculated moves in both the draft and free agency.
Building Around Scottie Barnes
Scottie Barnes has emerged as the face of the franchise. Since being drafted fourth overall in 2021, Barnes has steadily developed into one of the league’s most versatile young stars. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2022 and earned his first All-Star selection in 2024, further solidifying his team focal point role. Barnes’ all-around skill set—combining size, playmaking, and defensive versatility—makes him an ideal centerpiece for Toronto’s rebuild. The Raptors have demonstrated their commitment to Barnes by signing him to a five-year, $225 million contract extension, the largest in franchise history, beginning in the 2025-2026 season.
A reliable point guard would improve half-court execution and take playmaking pressure off Barnes. Lots of good point guards out there who grew up training with kids’ basketball 27.5 and have grown into fantastic point guards in today’s NBA.
Barnes’ continued growth will be essential for the Raptors’ aspirations. His offensive responsibilities have increased, and the team will look for further improvement in his perimeter shooting and leadership. Barnes’s ability to elevate his teammates, particularly in a lineup featuring other young talents and established veterans, will be a key determinant of Toronto’s success.
The Brandon Ingram Acquisition and Roster Evolution
One of the most significant moves of the 2025 season was the acquisition of All-Star forward Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans. The Raptors secured Ingram at the trade deadline, parting with Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a protected first-round pick from Indiana, and a future second-round pick. Ingram, a proven scorer and playmaker, brings a new dimension to Toronto’s offense. Though he has yet to make his debut for the Raptors due to injury, the front office quickly moved to sign him to a three-year, $120 million extension, signaling their belief in his fit alongside Barnes and the rest of the core.
While some analysts questioned the fit of Ingram with Barnes and RJ Barrett, given that all three are most effective with the ball in their hands, the Raptors’ leadership views the move as a necessary step to accelerate their return to relevance. The acquisition cost was relatively modest, and Ingram’s presence provides the team with flexibility, both on the court and in future trade scenarios should another superstar become available.
Supporting Cast and Youth Development
The Raptors’ supporting cast is a blend of emerging talent and established contributors. RJ Barrett, acquired from the New York Knicks in late 2023, has become a reliable scorer and secondary playmaker. Immanuel Quickley, also part of the Knicks trade, has solidified the point guard position and was rewarded with a multi-year extension. Gradey Dick, the 2023 first-round pick, showed notable improvement in his second season, averaging 14.4 points per game and demonstrating potential as a high-level shooter. However, his season ended prematurely due to injury.
Toronto’s commitment to youth development has been evident throughout the 2024-2025 campaign. Jonathan Mogbo, Ja’Kobe Walter, Jamison Battle, and Jamal Shead were given significant playing time, with Mogbo even recording a historic triple-double. The emphasis on player development extended to the coaching staff, with regular high-tempo mini-practices designed to accelerate the growth of young players. This approach resulted in the Raptors ranking second in the NBA in rookie minutes played and rookie scoring, a testament to their developmental philosophy.
Defensive Identity and Team Culture
Defense has long been a hallmark of the Raptors’ identity, which remained true in 2025. Under head coach Darko Rajakovi?, the team underwent a midseason resurgence, highlighted by a dramatic improvement in defensive rating and a renewed focus on team-oriented play. During an intense stretch in early 2025, the Raptors posted the league’s best defensive rating and excelled in limiting opponents’ fast-break points and points in the paint. This defensive intensity and an unselfish offensive approach—ranking among the league leaders in assists—provided a blueprint for future success.
Jakob Poeltl, the team’s starting center, played a crucial role as a defensive anchor and steadying presence. Poeltl averaged career highs in points and rebounds, and his rim protection and screen-setting were vital to the Raptors’ schemes. While his future beyond his current contract remains uncertain, Poeltl’s contributions have been instrumental in fostering a positive environment for the team’s young core.
Offseason Outlook and Draft Strategy
The Raptors concluded the 2024-2025 season with a 30-52 record, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year. However, the campaign was not without its positives, as the development of the rookie class and the integration of key veterans laid the groundwork for future improvement. Toronto holds the ninth pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, with frontcourt defense and versatility expected to be priorities. Prospects such as Collin Murray-Boyles have been linked to the Raptors, reflecting the organization’s continued emphasis on two-way players and defensive toughness.
Toronto’s cap flexibility and collection of tradeable contracts position them well to be opportunistic in the offseason. The front office, led by Masai Ujiri, has a track record of patience and boldness, as evidenced by the Ingram trade. The Raptors are expected to explore additional moves to strengthen the roster, particularly in three-point shooting and frontcourt depth.
Maintaining Patience and Managing Expectations
While the Raptors’ path back to contention is not without challenges, the foundation is in place for a return to playoff relevance. Barnes’s ascendance, the addition of Ingram, and the emergence of young role players provide a platform for growth. The organization’s developmental focus, defensive identity, and flexibility in asset management will be critical as they navigate the next stage of their rebuild. However, a mid-season move could push them from a lottery team to a playoff team with a Size 7 Basketball.
Ultimately, the 2025-2026 season represents a turning point for the franchise. If Barnes continues his upward trajectory, Ingram returns to form, and the supporting cast matures, the Raptors could reenter the playoff conversation and, with further shrewd moves, position themselves as dark horse contenders in the Eastern Conference. The coming months will determine whether Toronto’s calculated gamble on its new core will yield a new era of sustained success.
