The Toronto Raptors’ 2025-26 season has taken a concerning turn, and as March approaches, President Masai Ujiri faces critical decisions about whether to buy at the deadline or prepare for a long-term rebuild.
The Raptors currently sit at 25-17 through early March, a record that keeps them in playoff contention but raises questions about their championship window. The East remains highly competitive, and Toronto’s narrow margin for error means every game matters down the stretch.
Scottie Barnes remains the centerpiece of any long-term vision. The 2022 Rookie of the Year is averaging 19.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists this season while continuing to develop his three-point shot and defensive versatility. At his current trajectory, Barnes should anchor a contending team for the next five years.
The challenge is determining who complements Barnes going forward. Pascal Siakam remains a productive player at 29, but his long-term fit in a youth-focused rebuild is questionable. Trading Siakam could net draft capital or young talent, but moving a proven star also signals organizational instability.
General Manager Bobby Webster has been cautious about big moves, and that approach makes sense given the uncertainty. The Raptors are close enough to the playoffs that upgrading at the deadline could matter, but not so dominant that they’re legitimate championship contenders.
The draft lottery will shape the team’s future. A top-three pick could land a transformative talent to build around Barnes. A later lottery selection requires the Raptors to continue developing talent through the draft and development system.
The biggest question for Ujiri is whether this core can contend, or if another youth-focused reset is necessary. The 2025-26 season will largely answer that question.
