Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors hope continuity is the key to maintaining their upward trajectory after an impressive 2021-22 season.

They went an ugly 27-45 in 2020-21 and didn't seem to be a realistic Eastern Conference contender heading into last season. That was especially the case with franchise legend Kyle Lowry no longer on the roster and a number of other question marks hanging over the team.

All the Raptors did was finish 48-34, make the playoffs and set the foundation for promising years to come.

While they have been connected to Kevin Durant rumors at times, Toronto didn't make any league-altering moves this offseason as it looks to build on its 2021-22 efforts. It re-signed Chris Boucher and Thaddeus Young and added veteran Otto Porter Jr. after he helped lead the Golden State Warriors to the title.

That could be enough to contend for a playoff spot once again, presuming Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes takes a second-year jump and the combination of Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam can carry the offense for extended stretches.

Here is a look at some schedule details for Toronto as it looks to make the postseason for the ninth time in 10 years.

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2022-23 Raptors Schedule Details

Season Opener: Oct. 19 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Championship Odds: 40-1 (via FanDuel)

Full Schedule: NBA.com

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Top Matchups

Philadelphia 76ers (First game: Oct. 26)

There is no doubt Raptors fans will be circling the matchups against the Philadelphia 76ers this season.

After all, Philadelphia ended its Atlantic Division rival's season in the first round of the playoffs, and there wasn't much love lost with Joel Embiid criticizing Toronto fans for vulgar chants and seemingly cheering for his injuries.

Play also got chippy at times with players talking trash and growing frustrated during the series, which the 76ers won in six games.

Yet the matchups against Philadelphia will be important for the Raptors for more than just revenge.

Embiid and Co. will be something of a measuring stick since Philadelphia has enough talent to contend for a championship if it fulfills its potential. Whether Toronto will be a middle-of-the-road contender that loses in the first round again or a legitimate Eastern Conference threat will likely come down to how it performs against teams like the 76ers.

Philadelphia also had home-court advantage as the No. 4 seed and quickly seized control of the series with two wins on its floor. Winning these head-to-head games could help Toronto be the one with home-court advantage this time around if there is a playoff rematch.

It is fair to wonder if the Raptors have the combination of size and ability in the frontcourt to contain Embiid, and figuring out a way to do so could determine where they ultimately fall in the Eastern Conference picture.

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Cleveland Cavaliers (First game: Oct. 19)

It would be a stretch to call the Cleveland Cavaliers and Raptors rivals when LeBron James was busy knocking Toronto out of the playoffs with relative ease seemingly every year, but that could change in the future.

That's because both teams have young cores that could be primed to contend in the Eastern Conference for years to come.

Cleveland made the play-in tournament last season and finished with a winning record for the first time since James left after the 2018 NBA Finals. Darius Garland (22) and Evan Mobley (21) could be regular All-Stars for the next decade, and there are enough secondary pieces to challenge most teams in the league.

Toronto has its own star of the future in Barnes (21) to go along with a core of players in their 20s in VanVleet, Siakam and OG Anunoby.

It isn't a stretch to envision these two franchises squaring off in the middle of the Eastern Conference race multiple times starting with the upcoming season, which makes these games so intriguing as they each attempt to carve out a spot in the playoffs.

Cleveland is looking to avoid the play-in tournament entirely by leapfrogging one of the top six seeds, and Toronto will be looking to keep Garland and Co. at bay by playing well in these matchups.

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Season Forecast

The Raptors were 48-34 and the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference a season ago, and the expectation here is they will turn in a similar effort in 2022-23.

It is only natural to expect improvement from Barnes with more experience even though he was excellent as a rookie and a double-double threat during his initial NBA action. Anunoby is an underrated two-way difference-maker, and VanVleet and Siakam have championship pedigree and the ability to take over a game.

Throw in a deep supporting cast with Gary Trent Jr., Young, Porter and Boucher, among others, and there is plenty to like about Toronto.

However, there is still a ceiling on this team in part because it doesn't have the elite firepower to match up with other Eastern Conference stars such as Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler and Kevin Durant.

That will prevent the Raptors from being a top-notch championship contender in a loaded East, but they are still dangerous enough to make the playoffs and perhaps even make a run into the second round or beyond.

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Record Prediction: 49-33

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The Utah Jazz inquired about acquiring OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. of the Toronto Raptors before trading Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

"There was a belief it would take a substantial upgrade at center for Toronto to consider trading Anunoby. Gobert ranked atop Toronto’s wish list ahead of other centers on the trade market, such as Myles Turner, whose name has been mentioned in more rumors over the years than a celebrity in People Magazine and remains a candidate to be traded."

Scotto added: "While there have been several reports over the past few years that the Raptors would like to upgrade at center, the team has a bevy of forwards in the 6'7" to 6'9" range giving them elite switching ability on defense."

Anunoby has been included in trade rumors over the last several weeks. Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported about one month ago on the Dunc'd On Basketball NBA Podcast that Anunoby had been unhappy with his role in Toronto.

That said, Toronto doesn't appear interested in moving the 24-year-old. Raptors assistant general manager Dan Tolzman was asked last month if he thought the organization could draft another Anunoby with the No. 7 pick in this year's draft should a rumored deal with the Portland Trail Blazers go through.

He responded: "That would be tough, man. The way he's trending? That would be really tough."

Anunoby has elevated his game in each campaign since being selected 23rd in the 2017 draft. He had the best year of his career last season, averaging 17.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 44.3 percent from the floor and 36.3 percent from deep.

That said, it's no surprise the Jazz expressed interest in Anunoby, especially considering the franchise plans to "retool" around Donovan Mitchell, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Anunoby would have been a nice upgrade at forward over Bojan Bogdanovic and might have paired well with Mitchell and Mike Conley.

As for Trent, he has an $18.6 million player option for the 2023-24 campaign and will be looking for a new deal soon. It's unclear if the Raptors would be open to a more lucrative deal for the veteran.

Trent had an impressive 2021-22 season, averaging 18.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 41.4 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from deep. Like Anunoby, it's no surprise he drew interest from the Jazz as another piece to put around Mitchell.

Don't rule out the Toronto Raptors in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes.

The Raptors are "lurking" for Durant following his trade request from the Brooklyn Nets, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Friday on the NBA Today free agency special.

"I think a team that's lurking and is going to lurk in this is Toronto. They have all the kinds of pieces that you would want and their picks to do a deal for Kevin Durant and they have an organization, a leader in Masai Ujiri who, certainly you saw the chance he took on Kawhi Leonard with one year left on his deal. How far are the Raptors willing to go in an offer to Brooklyn?"

It's no surprise the Raptors are considered a landing spot for Durant as they have a treasure trove of assets to offer Brooklyn in return for the superstar.

Scottie Barnes is one of the most valuable young players in the NBA and would probably have to be on the table in a Durant package. The 2021 fourth overall pick averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals during his rookie season and won the 2021-22 Rookie of the Year award.

In addition, the Raptors boast a roster that includes OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and Precious Achiuwa, all of whom could possibly be included in trade discussions.

The Raptors also currently have a first-round pick available for trade in each draft through 2029, so there's no question they have enough ammunition to make a run for the two-time NBA champion.

That said, Ujiri told reporters during his end of season media availability that the Raptors would continue to develop during the 2022-23 campaign and appeared reluctant to move any of his young core.

“I think it’s still a team of the future. I think we have to have patience and grow. It’s the first time Pascal (Siakam) and Fred (VanVleet) and OG (Anunoby) have been at the helm. I think they did OK. And the young guys, (it was) the first time they’re really playing.

“We still preach patience and growth here. I know with how the results came at the end of the season. I know the expectations now become day-to-day; I understand that from a fan perspective or media perspective. It’s win now. But we’re thinking (about) the long game here.”

Still, that was before he knew Durant would be available.

Even at 33 years old, Durant is one of the best players in the NBA. During the 2021-22 campaign, he shouldered much of the load for the Nets following the James Harden trade and with Kyrie Irving unable to play most of the team's home games because of New York City's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for indoor arenas.

Durant averaged 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists while shooting 51.8 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from deep in 55 games.

The four-time scoring champion also has four more years remaining on his contract. With that kind of term, Ujiri at least has to consider adding the veteran, no matter the cost.

Thaddeus Young is staying put with the Toronto Raptors.

According to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, Young has agreed to a new two-year, $16 million contract, news which was confirmed by the power forward's agents.

Toronto acquired Young in February as part of a trade that sent Goran Dragic to the San Antonio Spurs.

Moving around is nothing new for the 34-year-old, so it almost comes as a surprise to see him stay in the same location as a free agent.

He has played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Spurs and Raptors. He can provide a spark off the bench or start in the frontcourt as a rebounding presence and low-post scorer who can extend his arsenal outside the paint if needed.

Young averaged double-digit scoring totals for 13 seasons in a row prior to the 2021-22 campaign. The final season in that span came in Chicago in 2020-21 when he posted 12.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.1 steals a night while shooting 55.9 percent from the field.

He's been more of a depth piece since, averaging 6.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game last season.

While his scoring totals have dipped, Young is still a reliable offensive option who is capable of taking advantage of openings created when defenders collapse on ball-handlers. That was on full display during Toronto's win over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series when he tallied 13 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Young has now appeared in 57 postseason games in his career as a playoff-tested rotational piece.

He'll continue to serve in a leadership role for Toronto as he pursues the championship that has eluded him throughout his career.

Although the Toronto Raptors have been linked to restricted free agent Deandre Ayton, there have reportedly been "no talks" with the Phoenix Suns about a potential sign-and-trade deal.

Sportsnet's Michael Grange reported Thursday an agreement between the teams would be "difficult," in large part because of the financial hurdles related to Ayton's compensation.

Phoenix extended a qualifying offer to the 23-year-old center, which includes a $16.4 million base salary and $31.6 million salary-cap hold, and he could receive a max offer sheet in free agency. The Suns can match any proposal or work out a sign-and-trade pact.

Toronto makes sense as a destination for Ayton on paper as it could use a traditional center to pair with Pascal Siakam in the frontcourt.

It would require a costly trade along with a lucrative long-term extension, however, so the Raptors will likely go in a different direction to fill that void.

Grange noted San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl, a Toronto first-round pick in 2016 whom the team has tried to reacquire in the past, is a potential target. The Spurs are likely heading toward a rebuild after reportedly sending Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks for a haul of draft picks and Danilo Gallinari.

Meanwhile, the Ayton situation has the potential to shift the balance of power in the West depending on either what the Suns get in return or how they use the financial flexibility created by his potential exit.

The University of Arizona product been a key cog for Phoenix since the organization selected him with the first overall pick in 2018. He's averaged 16.3 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 59.9 percent from the field across 236 career games.

He makes a limited impact in other areas, though. He's not a proven distributor (career average of 1.6 assists) or high-end shot blocker (1.0 blocks), and the 6'11" center has yet to expand his offensive game to match the evolving NBA, attempting just 19 threes in 2021-22.

As the league continues to shift away from old-school 5s, it's fair to wonder how much value Ayton carries, which is likely why the Suns have been hesitant to offer a max contract.

That said, for a team that expects to remain in the championship conversation after finishing an NBA-leading 64-18 in the regular season, moving him without having a plan in place to acquire another key contributor would be a massive risk.

The bottom line is there will probably be several clubs willing to pay Ayton the max if the Suns won't, but it sounds like the Raptors won't be one of them.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors are reportedly expected to pursue Mo Bamba in free agency after he didn't receive a qualifying offer from the Orlando Magic.

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported Thursday the Magic haven't ruled out bringing the 24-year-old center back, but they've "set a price for Bamba and are unwilling to go above it," which could allow the Lakers or Raptors to make a free-agent splash.

After three years as a reserve, Bamba stepped into the Orlando starting lineup and produced his best statistical season in 2021-22. He averaged 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 1.5 threes and 1.2 assists while shooting 48 percent from the field, including 38.1 percent from beyond the arc, in 71 appearances.

Those improved numbers combined with his 7'0'', 231-pound frame and 7'10'' wingspan make him one of the most high-upside free agents available this summer despite his inconsistency across four NBA seasons.

In April, Bamba expressed interest in staying with the Magic despite the contract uncertainty.

"I want to be here," he told reporters. "I just want to make that clear. I'll let that stuff handle itself and continue to work."

Now he'll at least get an opportunity to hear pitches from other organizations before deciding whether to return to Orlando.

The Lakers are looking for an infusion of talent around the core tandem of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Moving Russell Westbrook's contract is unlikely, which means the front office will probably have to rely on a series of smaller moves rather than a blockbuster.

Signing Bamba would allow Davis to play the 4, his preferred position, and give the Lakers more potential on the interior after using a variety of veteran options, including Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan, at the 5 last season.

Meanwhile, the Raptors are also seeking an upgrade at center to fill out the frontcourt alongside Pascal Siakam. The combination of Bamba and Siakam (7'3'' wingspan) could create some real issues for opponents trying to attack the rim.

It's quite possible other teams emerge as potential suitors in the coming days, as Bamba's inclusion in the free-agent class came a bit late after the qualifying offer wasn't tendered.

His occasional flashes of All-Star potential are enough to warrant a multiyear contract with the hope he can take his game to that next level with a change of scenery.

The Toronto Raptors have added to their frontcourt by selecting Arizona center Christian Koloko with the No. 33 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft Thursday.

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Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Christian Koloko

Position: C

Height: 6'11"

Pro Comparison: Nic Claxton

Scouting Report: Koloko will have a defined role that calls for rim running, shot-blocking and switching defensively. Anything more offensively would be a bonus, though he was one of the nation's most efficient post scorers and improved at the free-throw line.

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Raptors Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Christian Koloko (rookie-scale contract)

Pascal Siakam, PF: $34.2M (2024)

Fred VanVleet, PG: $21.3M (2024)

OG Anunoby, SF: $18M (2025)

Gary Trent, Jr., SG: $17.3M (2024)

Scottie Barnes, SF/PF: $8.3M (2025)

Khem Birch, PF: $6.7M (2024)

Precious Achiuwa, PF: $3.1M (2024)

Malachi Flynn, PG: $2.5M (2024)

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, SG: $1.8M (2023)

Dalano Banton, PG: $1.2M (2023)

Armoni Brooks, SG: $1M (2023)

Free Agents

Thaddeus Young, PF: UFA

Chris Boucher, PF: UFA

Isaac Bonga, SF: UFA

Yuta Watanabe, SF: RFA

David Johnson, PG: RFA

Justin Champagnie, F: RFA

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Koloko is coming off a breakout junior season for the Wildcats, averaging 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. He was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and the league's Most Improved Player after more than doubling his scoring average from his sophomore year (5.3 PPG).

The center was an anchor for a team that won the Pac-12 regular-season and tournament titles, earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. He lifted the Wildcats into the Sweet 16 with 28 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks in a second-round win over TCU.

At 6'11", 221 pounds, Koloko has the size and defensive instincts to make an immediate impact in the NBA.

Toronto Raptors general manager Bobby Webster does not seem more concerned over rumors of OG Anunoby being frustrated with his role.

"We have great communication with OG, he's up here now. I don't think it's all that noteworthy," Webster told reporters Tuesday.

Jake Fischer of B/R reported last month that Anunoby "grew dissatisfied" with his role at certain points last season, though that had not been relayed to the Raptors.

Anunoby averaged a career-high 17.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game during the 2021-22 season but was limited to 48 games due to injury. His role as the Raptors' primary defensive stopper on the perimeter became less defined amid the emergence of rookie Scottie Barnes, who provides a similar skill set.

Barnes' emergence arguably made Anunoby somewhat expendable if the Raptors were looking to make a move, but it would likely take a significant offer. Anunoby is heading into the second year of a four-year, $72 million contract, a deal that instantly looked like a bargain even with his injury issues.

The Raptors are also among the switchiest teams on the perimeter on the defensive end, which makes any fit issues with Barnes and Pascal Siakam avoidable. Some spacing concerns might crop up on the offensive side if Barnes doesn't develop a more consistent jumper.

That said, the Raptors have a very good problem of having a plethora of rangy, young and athletic wings; don't expect them to jettison any over small fit concerns.

Toronto Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes won't return to Saturday's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs after suffering an ankle injury in the fourth quarter, Cassidy Hubbarth reported on the ESPN broadcast.

The Raptors later confirmed Barnes suffered a sprained left ankle, per The Athletic's Eric Koreen.

Barnes was helped off the court and into the locker room after Sixers big man Joel Embiid accidentally stepped on his foot. 

Scottie Barnes was helped off the court to the locker room after Joel Embiid stepped on his foot in the 4th quarter. pic.twitter.com/HzlZj3vh9I

— ESPN (@espn) April 17, 2022

Barnes, the fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft, was enjoying a solid playoff debut before exiting, notching 15 points, ten rebounds and eight assists in 32 minutes. 

If Barnes misses any time moving forward, the Raptors could be in trouble. The 20-year-old started 74 regular-season games for Toronto this season, averaging 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 49.2 percent from the floor and 30.1 percent from deep. 

Even before the team's first-round series began, Raptors head coach Nick Nurse lauded Barnes and mentioned that he would play a significant role for the franchise in the postseason.

“I would expect him to be really great. I really would. I think his trajectory of how he’s playing, it looks like he’s getting stronger. He just looks like he’s playing harder and more physically. Game after game, he’s getting stronger, so that bodes well for him, I would imagine. He’s gonna have some ups and downs. He’ll be in the same category as about everybody else on the team.”

Chris Boucher and Precious Achiuwa would be on deck to take over for Barnes if necessary. Boucher appeared in 80 regular-season games, averaging 9.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, while Achiuwa averaged 9.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists. 

Toronto entered its first-round series against Philadelphia as the underdog, and losing Barnes would make things significantly more difficult for the team as Embiid, James Harden, Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey dominated on Saturday night. 

In addition, Shake Milton and Matisse Thybulle provide the Sixers with an added layer of depth that the Raptors just don't have this season. 

Game 2 between the Raptors and 76ers is scheduled for Monday. For now, we'll have to wait for an official update on Barnes' status for that matchup. However, his X-rays came back negative, according to Blake Murphy of Sportsnet, which is a good sign. He'll undergo further imaging on Sunday.