Toronto enters 2026-27 with Kawhi Leonard back in a Raptors uniform after a summer in limbo, pairing the two-time Finals MVP with Scottie Barnes after trading Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and future picks to the Clippers.
This Toronto Raptors 2026-27 season preview breaks down every major storyline entering the year: the team's 2026 NBA Draft pick, its free agency and trade activity, the Kawhi Leonard blockbuster and projected starting lineup, updated Vegas win total and championship odds, and Raptors fantasy basketball analysis on the players who matter most heading into DFS and season-long drafts. After a 46-win season that ended with a seven-game first-round loss to Cleveland, Toronto agreed to reacquire Leonard on June 30, but the trade was not made official until September 14 because of an NBA investigation into the Clippers' salary-cap compliance. The wait left the Raptors with little cap flexibility, so the rest of the offseason was spent on minimum-salary additions.
Raptors 2026-27 Season at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 2025-26 Record | 46-36 |
| 2025-26 Finish | Lost in first round (3-4 to Cavaliers) |
| 2026-27 Win Total | 45.5 (BetMGM) |
| Championship Odds | +2500 |
| 2026 Draft Picks | No. 19 |
| Biggest Addition | Kawhi Leonard (trade) |
| Key Player | Scottie Barnes |
| Fantasy Player to Watch | Kawhi Leonard |
Toronto's 45.5-win total sits just below last year's 46 wins, a conservative line that already accounts for Leonard's availability risk, and the Raptors' +2500 championship odds are tied with Detroit, Minnesota, and Denver.
2026 NBA Draft: Raptors' Pick and Fit
Toronto kept its first-round pick this year and used it on a forward who can shoot and space the floor, an additional piece around Barnes and Leonard.
| Pick | Player | Position | School | 2026-27 Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 19 (1st Rd) | Allen Graves | PF/SF | Santa Clara | Development/depth | Santa Clara forward and the Raptors' most notable draft addition; expected to compete for rotation minutes behind Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles. |
With Leonard's deal sending two future first-round picks to Los Angeles, Graves is a rare near-term draft asset for Toronto.
Key Free Agent Departures
Toronto's departures were the pieces sent to Los Angeles, the price of getting Leonard:
| Player | 2025-26 Role | 2026-27 Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Ingram | Leading scorer (21.5 PPG) | Traded to LA Clippers | Major |
| Gradey Dick | Reserve wing | Traded to LA Clippers | Moderate |
Along with Ingram and Dick, the Raptors sent the Clippers 2031 and 2033 first-round picks, 2030 and 2033 second-round picks, and a 2027 first-round swap.
Key Free Agent Acquisitions and Re-Signings
| Player | Terms | Type | Fantasy/Roster Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawhi Leonard | 2 yrs, $115M extension (via trade) | Trade acquisition | Averaged a career-best 27.9 PPG with 6.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, and 1.9 SPG for the Clippers; waived a $7.5M trade bonus and took roughly $11M under the max. |
| Kyle Anderson | 1 yr, minimum | Free agent addition | Veteran forward expected to play a rotation role as a passer and connector. |
| Alijah Martin | Minimum deal | Signed | Second-round pick from a recent draft signed to a minimum contract. |
| Jaden Bradley | Minimum deal | Signed | Second-round guard signed to a minimum contract. |
| Trey Jemison | Free agent addition | Free agent addition | Former Knicks reserve center added for frontcourt depth. |
Major Roster Moves and Projected Starting Lineup
Toronto went all in for Leonard, repeating its 2018 formula of trading its leading scorer, a recent lottery pick, and draft capital for him. The deal made the Raptors hard-capped at the first tax apron, so the summer's only other moves were minimum-salary signings. The Raptors finished fifth in defensive rating last season, and Leonard gives them a second elite defender and a go-to scorer next to Barnes.
Projected Starters
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Immanuel Quickley |
| SG | RJ Barrett |
| SF | Kawhi Leonard |
| PF | Scottie Barnes |
| C | Jakob Poeltl |
Bench Rotation
- Backcourt: Jamal Shead, Ja'Kobe Walter, Jaden Bradley
- Wing: Allen Graves, Kyle Anderson
- Frontcourt: Collin Murray-Boyles, Trayce Jackson-Davis
Toronto is expected to manage Leonard's workload, and the Raptors need to stay competitive on the nights he rests.
Raptors Biggest Fantasy Questions
How Many Games Will Kawhi Leonard Play?
Leonard played 65 games last season and posted career-best scoring numbers, but he is 35 and has a long injury history. Even half a season would give him strong per-game value, so his price should include significant missed-game risk.
Does Scottie Barnes Take Another Leap or Cede Touches?
Barnes averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists and finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. He's one of the few fantasy players who can contribute in every category, so his steady role is the safest bet on this roster.
Who Is the Third Scorer With Ingram Gone?
RJ Barrett averaged 19.3 points in 57 games, and Immanuel Quickley averaged 16.4 points and 5.9 assists in 70, and both should see their shots protected. With Ingram's 21.5 points gone, one of them could see a modest usage bump.
Raptors Fantasy Basketball 2026-27: Key Players to Know
Four Raptors fantasy players carry meaningful weight into 2026-27 drafts, with Leonard's availability and the supporting cast's roles as the dominant storylines.
Scottie Barnes Fantasy Outlook
- 2026-27 ADP: 17.5
- Position: C/PF/SF/SG
- 2025-26 Stats: 18.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 5.9 APG
- Fantasy Outlook: Elite multi-category forward
- What to Watch: Shot volume with Leonard added
Barnes is a rare forward who adds rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, and his defensive profile helped him finish fifth in DPOY voting. His scoring may dip slightly next to Leonard, but his category floor is very high.
Kawhi Leonard Fantasy Outlook
- 2026-27 ADP: 29.5
- Position: PF/SF/SG
- 2025-26 Stats: 27.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 2.6 3PM (65 games)
- Fantasy Outlook: Elite per-game scorer with real availability risk
- What to Watch: Games played and rest days at age 35
Leonard scored a career-high 55 points last December and shot 50.5% from the field and 89.2% at the line. His efficiency and steals make him a first-round talent per game, but the games-played risk justifies an ADP around 30.
RJ Barrett Fantasy Outlook
- 2026-27 ADP: 112.0
- Position: PF/SF/SG
- 2025-26 Stats: 19.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.3 APG (57 games)
- Fantasy Outlook: Efficient scoring wing, discounted after missed games
- What to Watch: Health and shot volume next to Leonard
Barrett shot 49.1% from the field but missed 25 games last season. He is a solid points and rebounds source at a modest price if he stays healthy.
Immanuel Quickley Fantasy Outlook
- 2026-27 ADP: 114.0
- Position: PG/SG
- 2025-26 Stats: 16.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.5 3PM (70 games)
- Fantasy Outlook: Steady lead guard with threes and assists
- What to Watch: His role as the primary ball handler with Leonard added
Quickley started all 70 of his games and posted a strong assist rate for a guard. His threes and steals give him a stable floor, though he faces pressure to keep the offense moving.
Raptors Fantasy Sleepers & Breakouts
Raptors Fantasy Sleeper
Jakob Poeltl: Poeltl averaged 10.7 points and 7.0 rebounds on 70.0% shooting in 46 games and remains the starting center. At an ADP of 126.5, he offers a high field-goal percentage and rebounds if he stays healthy. It’s really all about health when it comes to Poeltl.
Raptors Fantasy Breakout Candidate
Collin Murray-Boyles: The No. 9 pick in the 2025 draft averaged 8.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 21.9 minutes as a rookie, and Toronto said he will play both forward and center. At an ADP of 182.0, his per-minute defensive stats make him a cheap stash for a second-year jump.
Data via NBA.com, ESPN, Yahoo Sports, Hoops Rumors, Spotrac, BetMGM, RotoWire, and Basketball Reference. Odds and win totals reflect lines as of early October 2026 and are subject to change.