Examining Raptors' Salary Cap, Decisions for 2026 NBA Free Agency after Cavaliers Loss
After falling just short of the play-in tournament in each of the past two seasons, the Toronto Raptors returned to the postseason in 2026.
Toronto battled through some mid-season struggles and RJ Barrett's late-season knee injury to punch a ticket to the postseason. Led by standouts Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, the Raptors were never viewed as a top contender in the East, but they had to be taken seriously.
The No. 5 seed Raptors pushed the No. 4 seed Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round but ultimately fell just short.
Now that Toronto's postseason run is at an end, it's time for head coach Darko Rajaković and general manager Bobby Webster to begin preparing for what lies ahead.
Here, we'll examine the Raptors' projected salary-cap situation, biggest looming contract decisions, and potential targets for 2026 free agency.
2026 Salary Cap
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The 2026 offseason shouldn't bring a significant rebuild in Toronto. The majority of the team's roster is scheduled to return, including Barrett, Barnes, Ingram, and Immanuel Quickly. In all, the Raptors are slated to have 13 players under contract or facing team options.
The downside is that Toronto won't have as much cap flexibility as some other teams in the East. While they're projected to be $22.3 million below the more restrictive second luxury-tax apron, they're projected to be just $9.3 million below the first apron.
In free agency, Toronto will likely be limited to league minimum contracts and the midlevel exception. The Raptors aren't likely to be major players on the trade market, either, unless they're willing to work to shed significant salary.
There's a non-zero chance that Toronto's biggest additions will come through the draft. The Raptors are set to have first- and second-round picks in what is considered a very deep draft.
Top Contract Decisions
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Deciding Barrett's future might be the single biggest challenge the Raptors face this offseason. The 25-year-old will be entering the final year of his contract and will be extension-eligible this summer.
While Barrett has been a very good player for the Raptors, he hasn't helped turn them into a title contender. Toronto may decide to pull the plug on the experiment and use his expiring contract as trade fodder. Barrett, for his part, would prefer to return.
"(Toronto) is home for me," Barrett said, per The Athletic's Eric Koreen. "I think I play with a little bit of a different passion. I think I care a little bit more because I want to represent my home very well."
Additionally, Garrett Temple and A.J. Lawson are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents, while Sandro Mamukelashvili has a player option. The Raptors have team options with Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead, and Trayce Jackson-Davis.
Free Agents to Pursue
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If the Raptors don't move off of Barrett in the offseason—an extension and a deal closer to the deadline are both possibilities—fans shouldn't expect any blockbuster additions through free agency. Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley tabbed Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (player option) as a "dream" target under projected circumstances:
"Assuming the Raptors don't unload salaries in a trade, they might only have the taxpayer's midlevel to throw around. That means it'll either be tricky to fill their shooting void or be impossible to do so without adding a specialist. Unless, of course, Melton, a system fit with his length and defensive disruption, rediscovers the shooting touch."
Buckley also listed Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis and Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green as possible targets for Toronto.
Toronto's options will be limited, unless they do clear cap space. Even then, Toronto may not go after big names like LeBron James, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Austin Reaves (player option). Expect a focus on the draft and the continued development of the current roster instead.
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.
