Toronto Raptors Season Review













Team Record: 44-38

 

Season Highlight:

Another season, another playoff run. The Raptors making the playoffs with the amount of roster turnover they had throughout the season is quite impressive. The teams leaders and playstyle was quickly turned around by the GM, keeping fans on the edge of their seats and eyes on the trade ticker to see what he was going to do next. I would say the highlight would be the team finding their star they wish to build around in Jalen Brunson. (Quick hint, this wont be the last time he is mentioned in this article)

Season Lowlight:

For as a competitive and well built team the Toroonto Raptors were, the way they went out in the playoffs wouldn't have sat well with the team and the organisation. A team built around two stars in their prime hopes to get out of the first round but unfortunately it didn't. Going out to in the first round to the defending champs isn't a poor year by any stretch but I know the team aims for higher than that.

 

Best Trade:

Raptors send: Stephen Curry, Shake Milton, Colby Jones and Adem Bona

Raptors Receive: Jalen Brunson, Amir Coffey, Larry Nance Jr, Dwight Powell, Richaun Holmes and Lakers 2025 second round pick

The Raptors made a bold and forward-thinking move by acquiring Jalen Brunson, a proven leader and dynamic playmaker who can become the new face of the franchise. While Stephen Curry remains a legend, his recent inefficiency opened the door for a younger, more consistent floor general. Brunson brings toughness, composure, and elite shot creation that perfectly fit Toronto’s evolving identity. The added depth of Amir Coffey, Larry Nance Jr., Dwight Powell, and Richaun Holmes strengthens the roster’s balance and versatility. With this trade, the Raptors secure a rising star to build around and a deeper, more resilient supporting cast.

 

Worst Trade:

Raptors send: Harrison Barnes
Raptors receive: Dorian Finney-Smith

The Raptors’ decision to trade Harrison Barnes for Dorian Finney-Smith ultimately backfired, as Finney-Smith moved on in the offseason, leaving Toronto without either player’s impact. Barnes’ veteran scoring and leadership were missed, while the team gained only a short-term defensive boost. Losing a steady, reliable contributor for a player who didn’t stay long makes this trade a clear setback for the Raptors’ long-term stability and roster continuity.

 

Other Notable Trades:

Raptors send: Robert Williams
Raptors  receive: Aaron Wiggins and David Roddy

 The Raptors sacrificed elite rim protection and interior toughness by moving Robert Williams for two developing wings. While Wiggins and Roddy add energy and shooting potential, neither replaces Williams’ defensive presence. This deal favors flexibility over impact, but it weakens Toronto’s interior identity in the short term

Raptors send: Rui Harichimura
Raptors get: Harrison Barnes

Toronto gained valuable veteran experience and scoring reliability by acquiring Harrison Barnes. His proven versatility and leadership bring much-needed stability to a young roster. Though Hachimura’s upside remains intriguing, Barnes offers consistent production and professionalism, making this a solid move for a team seeking dependability and playoff-caliber poise

Raptors send: Lu Dort
Raptors get: Josh Hart

This swap gives Toronto a more versatile and well-rounded wing in Josh Hart, who contributes as a rebounder, secondary playmaker, and defender. However, losing Lu Dort’s elite perimeter defense could sting. Hart’s all-around game fits well, but the Raptors give up some defensive grit in this exchange

 

 

Free Agency:

The Raptors have their main bodies locked up with some be moved quickly, but they do have a couple of very key role players to bring back if they hope to repeat on some of last years run I imagine they would want all of them back, if they can and they will be scouring the market for some depth come FA day.

Jalen Brunson – UFA, resigned with the Knicks in the NBA.

Mylea Turner – UFA, will be the Raptors main focus come FA day

Jericho Sims – UFA, really nice role player that is on a minimum deal

 

Star:

Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson brings leadership, composure, and winning pedigree to the Toronto Raptors. A floor general with elite decision-making, Brunson controls the tempo of the game and elevates those around him through unselfish play and poise under pressure. His ability to create offense both for himself and his teammates makes him a true catalyst for the Raptors’ attack.

Brunson’s mid-range precision, crafty footwork, and strong finishing ability allow him to thrive against any defensive coverage. Beyond scoring, he’s a vocal leader who sets a tone of accountability and competitiveness on and off the court. Defensively, Brunson’s toughness and discipline help him neutralize opposing guards despite being undersized. Most importantly, he brings a winning mentality,  the kind forged in deep playoff runs and relentless work ethic. For the Raptors, Brunson represents more than a point guard; he’s the steady hand and cultural cornerstone the franchise can confidently build around.

 

Flop:

Rebounding

The Toronto Raptors have struggled to establish a strong presence on the boards, often losing key battles in rebounding situations. The team’s lack of consistent physicality and positioning around the rim has led to second-chance opportunities for opponents and limited transition chances of their own. Defensive possessions frequently extend due to missed box-outs, while offensive rebounds remain scarce, hindering the team’s ability to generate extra scoring opportunities. Without a dependable interior presence or a collective commitment to crashing the glass, the Raptors often find themselves at a disadvantage in close games. Improving rebounding effort and technique will be essential if the team hopes to control tempo, protect leads, and compete more effectively against physical, high-energy opponents.

Draft:

Pick 31 – Adou Thiero:
Thiero would be the standout of the pair, ranking slightly higher due to his NBA-ready frame and versatile game. At 6’6” with a long wingspan, he brings defensive intensity, rebounding strength, and improving shot creation. Thiero thrives in transition and uses his physical tools to guard multiple positions, making him an ideal fit for Toronto’s switch-heavy defensive schemes. His developing jumper and off-ball movement suggest real two-way potential, giving the Raptors a valuable rotation piece with starter upside.

Pick 35 – Penda Noah:
Noah would rank just behind Thiero but offers exciting long-term intrigue. A raw but gifted forward, he brings energy, athleticism, and a strong motor on defense. His rebounding instincts and ability to run the floor fit Toronto’s up-tempo style, though he’ll need refinement offensively. Together, Thiero and Noah would add toughness, versatility, and promise to the Raptors’ developing young core..

 

The Future:

The future is now for the Toronto Raptors. They have their key pillars to build around and have hopefully opened their title window and will aim to compete. It all starts with FA day as they need to fill some holes around their stars but Dylan loves a trade and is one of the better, if not best 2k tacticians in the league so will get the most out of this team or move the players on.

C: Kat
PF: TBA
SF: TBA
SG: Caleb MArtin
PG: Jalen Brunson