The Toronto Raptors are not a blank canvas. Much of the paint has already been applied and splashed around by Bobby Webster and his predecessor, Masai Ujiri. The face of the franchise is Scottie Barnes, surrounded by prized youngsters like Collin Murray-Boyles and Ja'Kobe Walter. Another addition will arrive via the 19th pick of the NBA draft next month, and the team boasts three offensive-minded veterans: Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley.
Patient and Pragmatic Approach
Further refinements are at Webster's discretion. Expectations are growing that he has passed his trial period as Raptors boss and will be rewarded with a contract extension before next season. This allows Webster and his staff to be patient and pragmatic. As he said during the 2025-26 wrap-up media session, the Raptors can be proud of their leap but recognize there is a long way to go to become contenders again.
Quiet Off-Season Projected
The most likely off-season for Toronto projects to be a quiet one. The team is close to the luxury-tax line and, barring a superstar trade, there is almost no chance they eclipse that line in 2026-27. The parameters are clear: roughly $6 million to spend, once the 19th pick's salary is included, to stay below the tax. With 13 of 15 players signed, Toronto will want to bring back Sandro Mamukelashvili, who turned down more money last year to play under Darko Rajakovic. That would likely require at least $6 million, meaning money must be cut elsewhere, possibly by finding a taker for Gradey Dick, who took a major step back in Year 3.
RJ Barrett's Future
Barrett had his best overall season and was a premier playoff performer. He is from Toronto and wants to stay but understands the business side of the NBA. He becomes an unrestricted free agent after next season unless an extension is worked out. Webster did not seem in a hurry, noting a decision could be made after the season. If no extension is reached, a black-cloud situation similar to Pascal Siakam's is not expected, as Barrett will remain professional.
Big Swing or Stay the Course?
Another pathway would be bundling one or two of Barrett, Poeltl, or Ingram with several first-round picks or top prospects. Stars always become available, such as Jaylen Brown, Giannis Antetokounmpo, or Anthony Davis. However, this scenario is unlikely and would be jumping the gun. This group is not one player away from contending unless an all-NBA guard is involved. Murray-Boyles, like Barnes, is a special defender with room to grow. Keep him and build around that duo. Even Walter should be retained unless a real star is involved.
Poeltl and Ingram Considerations
Moving Poeltl does not make much sense. Attaching assets to shed his contract is costly, and he is the only 7-footer on the roster, still useful despite decline. If his back fully breaks down, a salary dump may be necessary, but now is not the time. If Ingram's value has been rebuilt enough to fetch a good return, that is where to look. Barnes likes playing with Ingram, but Ingram has had many injuries and does not completely fit the Raptors' desired style.
Needs and Outlook
This team needs a fast, penetrating guard who can hit three-pointers, and a young, athletic 7-footer who can protect the paint and provide a three-point threat. These are perfect-world additions and will not fall from the sky. The Raptors will likely take a measured approach, focusing on development and incremental improvements rather than making a major splash.
