The Toronto Raptors are reportedly considering a low-risk move for two-time NBA All-Star Victor Oladipo to fill one of their two remaining roster spots. This comes as the team, coming off a 114-102 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 3, 2026, looks to add veteran depth to a young backcourt. Oladipo, 34, penned an open letter to NBA GMs stating he is healthy and ready to contribute.
Why are the Toronto Raptors linked with Victor Oladipo?
The Raptors currently have 13 players on standard contracts. NBA rules require a minimum of 14 before the regular season starts. So one spot must be filled. With a recent form of 2 wins and 3 losses in their last five games, including losing their final two, adding reliable experience could help. The team's biggest summer move is the pending blockbuster trade for two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. They also added forward Kyle Anderson. But the backcourt, especially behind Immanuel Quickley, could use a steadying presence. Quickley has dealt with injuries since arriving in Toronto during the 2023-24 season.
What is Victor Oladipo's current situation?
Victor Oladipo hasn't played in the NBA for three seasons. He suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee before the 2022-23 playoffs. He returned to basketball last season, playing 26 games for the Wisconsin Herd, the Milwaukee Bucks' G League affiliate. There, the 6-foot-3 guard averaged 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. In his Players' Tribune letter, Oladipo wrote, "I believe my body is finally right. I believe I still have GREAT (and more importantly WINNING) basketball in front of me." He directly asked for an opportunity to prove he can be a valuable locker room contributor.
How would a signing work with the Raptors' salary cap?
Any deal for Oladipo would have to be a veteran-minimum contract. The Raptors' finances are tight. The Kawhi Leonard trade means Toronto is approaching the NBA's first apron threshold, hard-capping them at $209 million. This restricts them from signing players via the waiver market or certain trades. However, because Oladipo is a free agent and not on any roster, the first apron rules would not apply to signing him. It's a rare, clean path to add a player given their cap situation. You can track the team's financial commitments and full [squad](/squad) details on our site.
What would Oladipo bring to the Raptors' rotation?
He would provide scoring and experience off the bench. Last season, when Quickley was injured, Toronto relied heavily on young guards Jamal Shead and Ja'Kobe Walter. Both have potential on offense and defense. But Oladipo's proven ability to create his own shot would offer flexibility if injuries hit the guard position again. His presence could also mentor the younger players during a season where every game counts, as seen in the recent [standings](/standings) race.
Will the Raptors actually sign him?
Don't expect an immediate decision. The team is unlikely to make any major roster moves until the investigation surrounding the Kawhi Leonard trade is fully complete. Still, Oladipo represents an intriguing, low-cost option for a team with open spots and a need for veteran depth. He is a known commodity seeking a final chance. For the Raptors, who ended last season with two straight losses, adding a motivated former All-Star could be a smart gamble with little downside. The final roster decisions will shape their approach for the upcoming season, which you can follow via our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
