Toronto spent the weekend cutting down to its regular-season group, and the Raptors host the Bulls on Wednesday, October 21 at 0-0. Kawhi Leonard heads into the opener cleared, after a run of rest listings that ended Saturday.
Saturday's Cuts
The five departures became official on October 18: Tyreke Key, Tyson Degenhart, Jalen Celestine, Nimari Burnett and Jamarion Sharp. Blake Murphy had reported the moves a day earlier, along with a two-way deal for center Nate Bittle. TSN's Josh Lewenberg wrote that it reflected the impression Bittle made in Summer League and Toronto's need at center, even though he was in a walking boot and could not play in camp or preseason.
Bittle's Foot
Bittle is listed day-to-day with a right foot and leg issue, with an estimated return of October 21, the night of the opener. He was cleared and relisted on the same day, October 17. The center spot is thin enough that his availability matters more than a two-way label suggests. Raptors Rapture has also asked whether Trayce Jackson-Davis, who scored 23 in the loss at Detroit, is changing the frontcourt order.
The Number and the Question
The number is $2.1 million, the gap between Toronto's $202.5 million payroll and the $200.4 million tax mark. Leonard, at $50.3 million, and Scottie Barnes, at $41.8 million, account for much of it. Toronto went 46-36 last season, with a defense ranked fifth and an offense ranked 14th. The open question is RJ Barrett. Hoops Rumors reported on September 29 that extension talks were not serious, and no outlet has reported movement since. After Chicago, the schedule runs at Washington on October 23, at Minnesota on October 25 and home to Orlando on October 28.
When do the Raptors open the 2026-27 season?
Toronto opens on Wednesday, October 21 at home against the Bulls. The Raptors then play at the Wizards on October 23.
Will Nate Bittle be ready for the Raptors' opener?
Bittle is day-to-day with a right foot and leg issue, and his estimated return is October 21. Toronto has made his deal a two-way contract.
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