The Toronto Raptors are keeping some Canadian content on their roster to start the 2025-26 campaign, signing Brampton’s A.J. Lawson to a two-way deal on Saturday, TSN’s Josh Lewenberg can confirm.
Lawson would’ve gotten the 15th roster spot if the Raptors opted to fill it. Makes sense to keep him around on a 2-way, with the option to convert him to a standard deal later in the season. Gives them a bit more wiggle room with the tax, while hanging onto a player they like https://t.co/G9DoHFWsUD
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 18, 2025
The move comes just two days after the Raptors decided to waive Lawson as the 2025 preseason wraps up.
Lawson, a 25-year-old shooting guard, averaged 9.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists over 26 games with the Raptors last season.
Before joining the Raptors, Lawson spent time with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks, highlighted by playing 42 games with the Mavs in 2023-24 and 10 more games in the playoffs that spring during their run to the NBA Finals.
The Raptors defeated the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, ending their preseason schedule with a 4-2 record.
Toronto will now travel to Atlanta where they’ll take on the Hawks in the season-opener on Wednesday.