The Toronto Raptors spent last season proving they belong in the contention conversation, and their offseason has been about pushing it even further. Last result: Cleveland Cavaliers 114-102 Toronto Raptors (2026-05-03), and recent form showing 2W-0D-3L in last 5 games, with the last two games being losses.
Barnes and Barrett
Scottie Barnes is the reason any of this works. He averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.5 blocks per game last season while earning an All-Star selection and All-Defensive Second Team honors, and his ability to impact the game on both ends gives the Raptors a foundation that most Eastern Conference teams cannot match.
RJ Barrett has been just as important to what Toronto is building. He put up 19.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game during the regular season before elevating to 24.1 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game in the playoffs, proving that he can be a legitimate second or third scoring option on a team with serious title hopes.
The Kawhi Trade
If the Leonard trade clears, Toronto's ceiling jumps significantly. Leonard averaged 27.9 points across 65 games with the Clippers last season, the best scoring year of his career, and pairing him with Barnes would give the Raptors one of the most versatile two-way duos in the league.
Depth and Direction
Beyond the star names, the Raptors have real balance. Murray-Boyles brought size and toughness as a rookie, Jakob Poeltl remains a steady presence at center, and Rajakovic's extension shows that the front office trusts the system he has been installing over three seasons. This group could look very different depending on what happens in September, and having a coach who already knows his personnel gives Toronto a head start no matter the outcome.
The Raptors have enough around Barnes and Barrett to make a genuine push in the East, and with the addition of Kawhi Leonard, they could become a serious contender. The team's recent form, although showing two consecutive losses, still has a 2W-0D-3L record in the last 5 games, and they are looking to improve on that. The front office has made significant moves to improve the team, and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out in the upcoming season. With the NBA investigation into the Clippers' salary cap practices still ongoing, the Raptors are waiting to see if the trade will be approved. If it is, they will have a strong roster to compete in the loaded East.
