Who Makes the Rotation? Predicting the Raptors' Top 10 Players if Kawhi Trade Happens
Projected Starting Lineup
The Toronto Raptors are evaluating their roster composition, particularly concerning the potential acquisition of Kawhi Leonard. Should the trade proceed, the team’s starting lineup is anticipated to feature Immanuel Quickley at point guard, RJ Barrett at shooting guard, and Leonard at small forward. Scottie Barnes is projected to start at power forward, with Jakob Poeltl as the starting centre.
Immanuel Quickley is expected to continue as the starting point guard, entering his third season under a five-year contract. His role will involve setting up plays for Scottie Barnes and Kawhi Leonard, moving away from a primary scoring focus. RJ Barrett, despite being part of trade discussions, had a productive season and demonstrated his value. He will need to maintain his physical play to secure high-percentage shots.
The addition of Kawhi Leonard would represent a significant upgrade for the Raptors, potentially enhancing their defensive capabilities. Leonard is coming off a season where he earned his seventh All-NBA selection. Scottie Barnes, a two-time All-Star, remains a central figure for the team, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. His continued development of a consistent three-point shot and leadership could elevate his standing among the league’s top players.
Jakob Poeltl is expected to start at centre, and his ability as a screener will be crucial in pick-and-roll plays with Leonard. While he may start games, his minutes might be adjusted later in contests, similar to last season.
Key Bench Players and Depth Concerns
The bench rotation is also taking shape, with several players poised to take on significant roles. Jamal Shead is expected to be the backup point guard, having demonstrated durability by playing in all 82 games last season and stepping in during Quickley‘s absences, including in the playoffs. Ja’Kobe Walter is anticipated to secure the backup shooting guard position, following an efficient shooting performance from deep last year. His minutes are likely to increase.
The backup small forward spot is currently projected for Jamison Battle, who has built trust with coach Darko Rajakovic over the past two seasons. However, rookie Allen Graves could challenge for these minutes if his shooting efficiency declines. Graves has shown promise in summer league and appears ready for the NBA. Kyle Anderson is expected to provide veteran presence and facilitating skills as the backup power forward, though his minutes could be reallocated, potentially benefiting Graves.
Collin Murray-Boyles is slated as the backup centre. He started in 22 of 57 regular season games and saw increased playing time in the playoffs, particularly when Poeltl‘s minutes decreased. Murray-Boyles is expected to make significant strides in his second year, especially when playing alongside Leonard and Barnes.
The Raptors face financial constraints that necessitate filling out the roster with cost-effective, young talent. The team’s current rotation, while strong at the top, has some vulnerabilities, particularly in centre depth and due to the injury history of certain players. Leonard has played 60 or more games only twice since the 2018-19 season, and Poeltl has not exceeded 57 games in any of his last three seasons. Quickley‘s tenure with the Raptors has also been affected by injuries, limiting him to 33 games last season and causing him to miss the end of the regular season and playoffs this year.
These factors highlight the importance of reliable depth, as the team will need players who can step in and contribute when called upon. The Raptors have 13 players under standard NBA contracts and two on two-way deals, leaving potential for one more two-way player and one or two additional standard contracts. The team needs more depth in the frontcourt, as Jakob Poeltl is currently the only player taller than 6-foot-9 signed, and additional guard depth behind Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead.
Summer League Prospects and Roster Additions
Summer League has been a crucial platform for the Raptors to evaluate young talent and potential roster additions. Allen Graves, the 19th pick in the recent draft, has performed well in Las Vegas and is considered an important part of the team’s future. Other prospects are also being assessed for potential roster spots.
Chucky Hepburn, an undrafted free agent from Louisville, is a candidate for a full roster spot. After suffering a meniscus injury early in his Raptors 905 career, he has returned healthy and showcased his defensive skills in Las Vegas, along with averaging 6.5 assists per game. His shooting remains an area for development. Nate Bittle, a 7-foot centre, also presents a potential solution to the team’s need for frontcourt depth. Despite a history of injuries, he has demonstrated a varied skill set in Las Vegas, including shot-blocking and three-point shooting. Given Poeltl‘s back issues, a two-way slot for Bittle could provide valuable experience with Raptors 905 and an option for the main squad.
Seth Lundy, a 6-foot-4 guard, has also stood out in Summer League. Despite having played only nine NBA games due to an ankle injury, he has performed strongly in Las Vegas, averaging 20.3 points on 51% shooting, including 12-for-27 on three-pointers. His shooting ability is a valuable asset, and the Raptors may look to secure a deal with him for Raptors 905 or an NBA minimum contract. The team’s payroll is expected to be among the highest in the NBA for the 2026-27 season, potentially leading to the second luxury tax payment since 2011.
Source: si.com
