Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images The Raptors have opened up a roster spot after releasing JFL and Vezenkov The Toronto Raptors have waived Javon Freeman-Liberty and Sasha Vezenkov. Spicy news! Javon Freeman-Liberty and Sasha Vezenkov are waived by the Raptors. This opens up one roster spot. — Jay Rosales (@Rosalesaurus) July 22, 2024 JFL was the only Raptor on a partially guaranteed contract and on the books for $100,000 this year. His salary was set to increase to $150,000 tomorrow, $800,000 on opening night, and the full $1.9 million on January 10, 2025. Freeman-Liberty had a fairly goo ..read more

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images Shead, Walter, and Carton shine despite loss to end off Summer League For the Toronto Raptors, Summer League drew to a close last night as they fell to the San Antonio Spurs 100-89. While they finished the week with a 2-3 record, that was an improvement from last year. It’s not like things worked out the way we hoped either with Gradey and Mogbo sustaining injuries. Ochai and Javon were shut down as well, so the final start was given to Carlson, Shead, Walter, Carton and Chomche. San Antonio came into the game 3-1 and sat some of their own players as we ..read more

Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images Shooting struggles and turnovers plagued the Raptors, sending them to a consolation game In the fourth game of Summer League, the Toronto Raptors matched up against a Miami Heat team who entered the game undefeated. For both, it was a must win game to have hopes for the Summer League playoffs. Unfortunately for Toronto, shooting struggles, turnovers, and a mediocre defence headlined the game, leading to a dominant victory for Miami. The Heat saw significant contributions from NBA-experienced players Josh Christopher, who finished with 17/2/3, and Cole S ..read more

Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images Raptors fall despite solid effort by Freeman-Liberty and Shead at both ends of the floor The Utah Jazz handed the Toronto Raptors their first loss of Summer League this afternoon, with a final score of 86-76, giving both teams a 2-1 record. Some notable changes to the lineup occurred, due to the absences of Gradey Dick, listed out with a right ankle sprain, and Johnathan Mugbo, who sustained a back contusion, both injuries that occurred in their last game against Denver. Toronto started Carlson, Agbaji, Walter, and Shead, and gave the final nod to ..read more

Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images RJ Barrett and Kelly Olynyk now play at home in the NBA, but they will continue to represent as Canada’s star-studded National team heads to the Paris Olympics Toronto Raptors teammates RJ Barrett and Kelly Olynyk are set to represent the North — both the Toronto Raptors and Team Canada Basketball — at the Olympic Games in Paris this summer. Fresh off a bronze in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Head Coach Jordi Fernandez and Canada’s men’s basketball team will build on their success and are expected to make a splash in Paris. Olynyk and Barrett aim t ..read more

Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images Despite trailing on multiple occasions, Shead and Freeman-Liberty helped lead the team to another victory In their second Summer League matchup, the Toronto Raptors took on the Denver Nuggets, coming from behind to secure their second win. On a positive note, this means they’re already doing better than last year, and Summer League playoff hopes remain alive. The Raptors started Ochai Agbaji, Branden Carlson, Gradey Dick, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Jamal Shead again, hoping for a similar result to last night. Despite a back and forth game, and injuries t ..read more

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images Gradey Dick helps lead the team to a wire-to-wire victory in a dominant and exciting game It’s been a little while since Raptors fans have been able to celebrate a dominant victory, but even though it’s just summer basketball, I think we all want to enjoy this moment. In the first action of Summer League, the Toronto Raptors completed a dominant, wire-to-wire victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite shooting only 43.9% from the field 32.3% from long range, their defensive energy, rebounding and ball movement were the highlights of the game, and u ..read more

Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images What you need to know: schedule, players, and more Summer League in Las Vegas is always a fun first look at the new draftees and a great learning curve for sophomores. It also provides a window for undrafted guys or those still trying to crack an NBA roster to be out in front of tons of players, coaches, and team personnel. There’s been some great stories coming out of summer league and standout performances that have given us a taste of the next generation of NBA talent, and it all continues over the next week. For teams that are rebuilding and thos ..read more

Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images The best collection of players the Canadian Men’s team has ever assembled was not enough to get past USA’s group of All-Stars. teaWith the Paris Olympics less than 3 weeks away and the field of 12 countries now set, each team will finalize their rosters (more on this below) and play some exhibition games. As luck would have it (or clever scheduling), the Canada vs. USA rivalry can add ‘Men’s basketball’ to the list alongside Women’s hockey and Women’s soccer! The USA Basketball Showcase kicked off with a rematch against a Canadian squad that defeat ..read more

Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images The Toronto Raptors and Gary Trent Jr. were reportedly miles apart on a new deal. So what happens now for Trent Jr.? The NBA Draft ended a couple of weeks ago but Gary Trent Jr. must feel like a prospect waiting in the Green Room. The 25-year-old now-former Toronto Raptor remains unsigned and, with details leaking of his failed contract negotiations, headed towards a long offseason! The Raptors are preparing to let Gary Trent Jr. walk in free agency, per @JLew1050 (https://t.co/ljT0GiSFJZ). Toronto initially offered Trent a contract worth $15 mil ..read more