After a successful 2025-26 season in which the Toronto Raptors took a meaningful step forward by returning to the playoffs for the first time in four years, one thing is clear and that is the next stage of this build will require real roster decisions.
Toronto made progress, finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference and re-establishing itself as a playoff team. However, it is clear that the first-round exit against the Cleveland Cavaliers exposed a real gap between being competitive and being a true contender. If the Raptors want to close that gap, changes are coming. With that being said, a mindset like that naturally raises the question: who is actually untouchable?
To me, there are three players the Raptors should not consider moving
Scottie Barnes
This one is obvious.
Scottie Barnes is the foundation of everything Toronto is building. Since entering the league in 2022, he has developed into a true two-way force and a legitimate face of the franchise type player. In five seasons, he has averaged 17.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, along with over a steal and a block per game.
His resume already speaks for itself. He is a Rookie of the Year, he’s earned two All-Star appearances, and a recent All-Defensive Team selection, one that many around the league felt could have been even higher.
More importantly, the organization views him as a superstar already. Head coach Darko Rajakovic made that clear when discussing Barnes’ trajectory during an interview near the end of their season.
He stated “I expect more from Scottie. Scottie is going to bring more. Scottie is 60 percent of what he’s going to be in 3–4 years… he’s going to be one of the best players in the league.”
That kind of internal belief says everything. Barnes isn’t just part of the Raptors’ future, he is the future.
Ja’Kobe Walter
Ja’Kobe Walter’s season was a reminder of how quickly young players can change their outlook.
Selected 19th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Walter had an uneven start to the 2025-26 season, averaging 7.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and one steal per game. However, his role and impact grew significantly as the year progressed, especially after injuries opened up opportunities in the rotation.
By the time the season came to a close, Walter had become one of Toronto’s most reliable perimeter threats, shooting 40 percent from three on over three attempts per game. That mark made him the only Raptor consistently meeting that volume and efficiency. Those kinds of numbers matter especially on a team that finished 26th in made threes and 21st in three-point percentage (35.4 percent).
By Game 3 of the playoff series against Cleveland, Walter had already shown flashes of being more than a role player. For a second-year guard taken at 19, that kind of progression is exactly what rebuilding teams hope to see.
And interestingly enough, the Raptors once again hold the 19th pick in the upcoming 2026 draft.
Collin Murray-Boyles
If Walter represents shooting upside, Collin Murray-Boyles represents everything else.
In 57 games (22 starts), Murray-Boyles averaged 8.5 points on nearly 58 percent shooting, along with 5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and close to a steal and a block per game. His impact came through consistency, energy, and smart basketball.
He fit seamlessly into Toronto’s system from day one. Whether it was defensive rotations, hustle plays, or simply being in the right spot at the right time, Murray-Boyles consistently found ways to affect winning.
There is still development needed on the offensive side, particularly as a shooter, but the foundation is already strong. Players who impact the game without needing touches tend to stick, and grow, on winning teams. There is a reason he was named to the All-Rookie Second team.
If this rookie season is any indication, the Raptors may have found another long-term piece.
The Rest of the Roster
Beyond those three, the picture becomes far less clear.
There is no true “untouchable” conversation outside those guys, and even among the supporting cast, the Raptors should be open-minded about potential upgrades. The most debated case is Brandon Ingram.
Ingram is undeniably a talented scorer and a strong fit alongside Toronto’s core when healthy. However, his role is not irreplaceable. The Raptors showed during his injury absence in the playoffs that they can remain competitive even without him.
If Toronto wants to take the next step, it may need to shift from valuing individual talent to prioritizing roster balance. That could mean exploring moves involving core rotation players if it leads to more depth and flexibility around Barnes.