Kawhi Leonard is back in Toronto on a fresh extension, Scottie Barnes is 25 and already the long-term face of the roster, and the front office has committed $202.5 million to keep this group intact above the luxury tax line. Whether that outlay was worth it will define the next six months.
The Case For
Toronto's defense ranked fifth last season while Leonard averaged 27.9 points across 65 games and Barnes posted 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists over 80. Collin Murray-Boyles, 21 and entering his second season, added 8.5 points and 5.0 rebounds as a regular contributor. TSN's Josh Lewenberg has called the Leonard-Barnes-Murray-Boyles trio the most unique and dangerous defensive group in basketball, and the front office kept it whole this summer: Leonard's detour to the Clippers ended with a trade back to Toronto on September 14 and a new extension that locks the two-way identity Darko Rajakovic has built in place.
The Case Against
That continuity cost $202.5 million, pushing Toronto above the $200.4 million tax line, and the offense still ranked 14th last season for a net rating of plus-2.9, 11th leaguewide. Last spring ended in the first round, a seven-game loss to Cleveland. Jakob Poeltl's extension has been tied to Leonard's and Jamal Shead's since an October 1 notes piece, with no specifics since, and RJ Barrett's own extension talks were called not serious as of late September. The bill came due before the production proved it was worth it.
Where It Lands
Preseason gave a split verdict. With the regulars resting, Toronto's reserves lost 125-129 at Detroit on October 16 despite 24 points from Malachi Smith and 23 from Trayce Jackson-Davis, the team's third loss in its last three preseason games. But eight regulars, including Leonard, Barnes, Poeltl, Quickley and Barrett, were cleared the following day and return for the regular-season debut on October 21 against Chicago. The defense has bought this core patience; the bench now has to find enough offense that the Raptors never need to test it.
Is Kawhi Leonard still with the Raptors?
Yes. A trade brought him back from the Clippers on September 14, and he signed a contract extension with Toronto afterward.
Are the Raptors over the luxury tax line?
Yes. Toronto's payroll sits at $202.5 million, above the $200.4 million luxury tax line and below the $209.0 million first apron.
