The Toronto Raptors waived Canadian point guard AJ Lawson on Thursday, TSN’s Josh Lewenberg reports.
The Raptors have waived two-way centre Ulrich Chomche, who missed training camp and has been out with an undisclosed injury. They’ve also waived AJ Lawson, Jared Rhoden, David Roddy and Olivier Sarr (all non/partial guarantees). Leaves the roster at 14 and opens up a two-way spot
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 16, 2025
Along with Lawson, the Raptors also waived centre Ulrich Chomche, guard Jared Rhoden, forward David Roddy and centre Olivier Sarr.
The cuts bring the roster size down to 14, with a two-way slot open, ahead of Wednesday’s season opener against the Atlanta Hawks.
Lawson, from Toronto, played in 26 games with the Raptors a year ago, making two starts. He averaged 9.1 points and 1.2 assists per game. As Lewenberg reports, Lawson was the presumptive favourite to claim the 15th spot on the roster and fill the final bench spot.
Lawson was the presumed front runner for the 15th spot, if the Raptors opted to fill it. Leaving it open until after the deadline gives them a bit more wiggle room with the tax.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 16, 2025
Instead, the Raptors will leave the 15th spot on the roster open to allow for a little bit more roster wiggle room with the luxury tax.
Chomche, 19, appeared in seven games for the Raptors a season ago. The native of Baham, Cameroon missed training camp and has been out with an undisclosed injury.
Per Lewenberg, the Raptors were encouraged with the progress Chomche made last season before suffering a torn MCL, but the undisclosed injury he dealt with in camp may be too significant, forcing the team to move on.
Rhoden played in 10 games with the Raptors a year ago, while Roddy and Sarr were each vying to make the Raptors roster for the first time. Sarr is the brother of last year’s second overall pick in the NBA draft, Alexandre Sarr.
The Raptors begin the season on the road against the Hawks, looking to build on a difficult 30-52 finish a season ago.