What Happened to Toronto Raptors?

The Toronto Raptors have experienced a transformative period since their historic 2019 NBA Championship. Following the departure of Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and key veteran Danny Green in the 2019 offseason, the team entered a new era, gradually shifting from a veteran-led contender to a youth-focused development squad. This transition saw the departures of long-time Raptors like Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam in subsequent years, paving the way for a new core.

A key turning point in this new direction was the emergence of Scottie Barnes, drafted in 2021, who quickly became a franchise cornerstone. The team continued to build through the draft and strategic trades, acquiring players like Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, and drafting talents such as Collin Murray-Boyles (2025) and Ja'Kobe Walter (2024). The 2025-2026 season marked a significant step forward, with the Raptors finishing 5th in the Eastern Conference with a 46-36 record, ending a three-year playoff drought, though they were eliminated in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The summer of 2026 has been dominated by a highly anticipated, yet complicated, trade for Kawhi Leonard, which would see him return to Toronto from the Los Angeles Clippers. This blockbuster deal, which reportedly involves sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, multiple first-round picks, and second-round picks to the Clippers, has been on hold since late June 2026 due to an ongoing NBA investigation into allegations that the Clippers attempted to circumvent the salary cap in their initial dealings with Leonard. The uncertainty surrounding this trade and potential penalties, including a possible suspension for Leonard, has cast a shadow over the Raptors' offseason and their 2026-2027 season preparations.

In other significant developments, Rogers Communications completed its full acquisition of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), the parent company of the Raptors, in July 2026. Rogers, which previously held a 75% stake, bought out the remaining 25% from Larry Tanenbaum's Kilmer Sports Inc. for C$4.35 billion, consolidating ownership of Toronto's major sports franchises. This move is expected to bring synergies across Rogers' sports holdings, including the Toronto Blue Jays and Sportsnet. On the coaching front, Darko Rajaković, who led the team to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game as a coach for Team World, received a contract extension, and Stephen Silas was hired as an assistant coach in July 2026, replacing departing assistants Mike Batiste and James Wade. The Raptors also added Santa Clara forward Allen Graves and Arizona guard Jaden Bradley in the 2026 NBA Draft, further bolstering their young core. The team's 2026-2027 season is scheduled to open on October 21 against the Chicago Bulls.