Raptors’ next big swing: Kyrie Irving after Leonard’s arrival

Wednesday reshaped the Toronto Raptors’ outlook. The NBA’s decision not to alter Kawhi Leonard’s contract or status means the star forward will report to training camp as planned, restoring clarity and ambition to the franchise. With Leonard fully available, Toronto can legitimately consider a major roster escalation, including the possibility of pairing him and Scottie Barnes with Kyrie Irving, who is entering a pivotal contract year after returning from ACL recovery.

Dallas is not actively shopping Irving, yet several insiders believe circumstances could shift as February’s deadline approaches. One proposed framework sends Irving and Daniel Gafford to Toronto in exchange for Immanuel Quickley, Ja’Kobe Walter and Jakob Poeltl. For the Raptors, Irving’s championship pedigree and Barnes’ versatile skill set could create a balanced, fluid core. Dallas, meanwhile, would add younger pieces aligned with its developing timeline while shedding Gafford’s contract. The move would be costly for Toronto, but the potential upside is undeniable.