Toronto Raptors 2026-2027 Season Preview
Following an encouraging campaign that saw the franchise return to the playoffs, Toronto enters the new season with increased expectations, a stronger defensive identity and a significant addition to its roster.
The Raptors have undergone considerable changes since the departure of franchise cornerstones Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam. Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett have become central figures in the team’s plans, while the return of former NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard has generated considerable excitement among supporters.
Under head coach Darko Rajaković, Toronto will be looking to build on last season’s progress and establish itself as a more consistent playoff threat.
With a mixture of established NBA talent, promising young players and experienced coaching, the Raptors have reasons to be optimistic. However, player availability, defensive consistency and the integration of their latest additions could determine just how successful the campaign becomes.
Toronto Raptors 2025-2026 Season Recap
The Toronto Raptors finished the 2025-2026 regular season with a 46-36 record, securing fifth place in the Eastern Conference. This represented a significant improvement on their previous campaign, with Toronto recording 16 more victories than in 2024-2025 and earning a place in the NBA Playoffs.
The Raptors averaged 114.6 points per game while allowing 111.8, demonstrating improvements at both ends of the court. Their defensive development was particularly encouraging, with the team finishing among the NBA’s five best defensive teams in terms of defensive rating.
Brandon Ingram was Toronto’s leading regular-season scorer, averaging 21.5 points per game and earning an All-Star selection. Scottie Barnes also enjoyed an impressive campaign, contributing 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. His defensive performances earned him a place on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. RJ Barrett averaged 19.3 points per game, while Immanuel Quickley contributed 16.4 points and 5.9 assists.
Toronto’s improved performances carried into the postseason, where the fifth-seeded Raptors faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference first round. Despite pushing Cleveland to seven games, Toronto eventually lost the series 4-3 and exited the playoffs.
Although the first-round defeat was disappointing, the season demonstrated that the Raptors have the foundations of a competitive team. Their improved defence, transition offence and development of younger players provided plenty of encouragement heading into the summer.
Who Is The Head Coach of the Toronto Raptors?
Darko Rajaković remains the head coach of the Toronto Raptors for the 2026-2027 season. The Serbian coach joined the organisation in 2023 and has continued to oversee the development of the team’s younger players while establishing a more structured approach to basketball.
Rajaković has an extensive coaching background, including experience as an assistant coach with several NBA organisations and head-coaching experience in European basketball. His coaching philosophy places considerable emphasis on player development, ball movement, spacing and defensive organisation.
His influence was evident during the Raptors’ improved 2025-2026 campaign. Toronto developed into one of the league’s stronger defensive teams, while its transition offence became an important source of scoring opportunities.
The coaching staff has also received some additions for the new campaign. Stephen Silas and Matt Vest have joined the coaching group, bringing additional experience and fresh perspectives to the organisation.
Rajaković’s main priority will be finding the right balance between his established players and the younger members of the squad. The return of Kawhi Leonard creates another tactical option, while Barnes and Barrett will continue to play important roles in the team’s offensive and defensive systems.
Toronto Raptors Offseason Trades
The most significant Toronto Raptors offseason move was the acquisition of Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers in September 2026. The former Raptors championship-winning star returned to Toronto in a major transaction that sent Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick to Los Angeles, alongside future draft considerations.
Leonard’s return represents a substantial change in the team’s ambitions. His experience, defensive ability and proven postseason performances give Toronto another established star capable of influencing important games. However, his availability will be a major consideration after injury problems limited his appearances during recent seasons.
The Raptors also strengthened their squad through free agency and the NBA Draft. Kyle Anderson joined on a one-year contract, providing versatility, experience and additional defensive options. Toronto also selected Allen Graves with the 19th overall pick and Jaden Bradley with the 50th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The departures of Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and Sandro Mamukelashvili mean that Toronto will need to redistribute minutes and responsibilities across the roster. Nevertheless, the arrival of Leonard and Anderson provides the coaching staff with additional experience and flexibility.
Who Are The Key Players For The Toronto Raptors?
Scottie Barnes remains the central figure in Toronto’s long-term plans. The versatile forward averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists during the 2025-2026 regular season. His ability to contribute in several statistical categories makes him particularly valuable, while his defensive performances earned him All-Defensive Second Team recognition.
Kawhi Leonard is arguably the most intriguing addition to the current roster. The two-time NBA Finals MVP returns to the organisation where he won his first championship in 2019. His scoring ability, defensive intelligence and experience in high-pressure situations could make a significant difference if he can maintain his fitness. However, a knee injury has kept him out of the opening stretch of the 2026-2027 campaign, making his eventual return an important storyline.
RJ Barrett is another important part of Toronto’s plans. The Canadian international averaged 19.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season, providing consistent scoring and physicality. His ability to attack the basket and contribute in transition makes him a valuable offensive option alongside Barnes and Leonard.
Toronto’s success will ultimately depend on how effectively these players work together. The combination of Barnes’s versatility, Leonard’s experience, Barrett’s scoring and Quickley’s playmaking gives the Raptors several different ways to approach games.
What Are The Toronto Raptors’ Season Expectations?
Expectations for the Toronto Raptors in 2026-2027 are considerably higher following their return to the playoffs last season. Finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 46-36 record demonstrated that the team is capable of competing with established opponents, although its first-round elimination highlighted areas that still require improvement.
The return of Kawhi Leonard has increased interest in Toronto’s prospects. His experience of winning an NBA championship with the franchise in 2019 could prove valuable, particularly when the team reaches the more demanding stages of the season. However, managing his fitness and ensuring his availability for the playoffs will be essential.
Scottie Barnes’s continued development is another major factor. His defensive contributions and all-round abilities already make him one of the team’s most important players, but further offensive development could help elevate Toronto’s overall performance.
The Raptors will also need consistent contributions from Barrett, Quickley and Poeltl, while younger players such as Collin Murray-Boyles will be expected to continue progressing. The depth of the roster could become particularly important during periods when injuries or a demanding schedule place additional pressure on the starting lineup.
Toronto’s early-season results have been mixed. The team recorded five victories in its opening 11 games, including an impressive opening-night win over Chicago and a road victory against the Los Angeles Clippers. However, consecutive defeats against Memphis and Boston have highlighted the importance of maintaining concentration throughout all four quarters.
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