Expansion drafts always force teams into difficult decisions. Protecting only a limited number of players means every franchise must balance present production with long-term potential. If the Toronto Raptors were faced with that situation today, the choices would not be easy. The roster features a mix of established talent and developing young players. That combination creates both opportunity and risk.
Under a typical expansion format, teams are allowed to protect eight players. Everyone else becomes eligible to be selected by a new franchise. For Toronto, building this list requires a clear understanding of the team’s direction. The Raptors are still developing their core. Because of that, youth, versatility, and long-term upside should guide most decisions.
Here are the eight players Toronto Raptors should realistically protect in a potential expansion draft.
Who Should The Toronto Raptors Protect In An Expansion Draft?
Scottie Barnes
This is the easiest decision on the list. Scottie Barnes is the centerpiece of the franchise. He contributes to every area of the game. He can score, defend, rebound, and facilitate offense. More importantly, he continues to improve. His long-term potential makes him untouchable in any scenario. If the Raptors are building for the future, Barnes remains the foundation.
Â
Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram provides elite shot creation and scoring. Undoubtedly, those skills are difficult to replace. Toronto has often struggled with half-court offense. Ingram helps solve that issue. He can create his own shot and carry offensive stretches when needed. Players with that level of offensive ability are rarely available. Protecting him would be a priority.
Immanuel Quickley
Immanuel Quickley plays a key role in the backcourt. He provides scoring, playmaking, and pace. Additionally, he can run the offense while also spacing the floor. Guards who can create and shoot are essential in today’s NBA. Quickley fits that profile well. He is also young enough to remain part of the team’s long-term plans.
RJ Barrett
RJ Barrett offers size, scoring, and physicality on the wing. He is capable of attacking the basket and creating pressure on defenses. He also fits well alongside Barnes and Ingram. While his efficiency can fluctuate, his overall production and versatility make him difficult to replace. Toronto would likely prioritize keeping a player with his skill set.
Jakob Poeltl
Jakob Poeltl provides something every team needs: interior presence.
He protects the rim, rebounds effectively, and anchors the defense. Those traits are critical, especially for a team that relies on defensive structure. Reliable centers are not easy to find. Losing Poeltl would create a significant gap in the rotation. Due to that, he earns a spot on this list.
Ja’Kobe Walter
Ja’Kobe Walter is another young piece with potential. He brings athleticism, defensive energy, and scoring upside. While he is still developing, his tools are intriguing. Unquestionably, expansion drafts often punish teams that leave young talent unprotected. Players like Walter could be attractive targets for new franchises. Protecting him helps Toronto avoid losing a player who could grow into a key contributor.
Jamal Shead
Jamal Shead earns it because of his defensive intensity and playmaking ability. He brings energy and effort on both ends of the floor. Guards who defend at a high level and control tempo can become valuable rotation pieces. While he may not be a star, his role is important. Teams often regret losing players like this in expansion drafts.
Collin Murray-Boyles
Feb 22, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) grabs a rebound against Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter (7) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Collin Murray-Boyles represents long-term upside and physical versatility. He has already shown flashes of strong defensive instincts and physical play. His ability to impact the game without needing high usage makes him a valuable developing piece. Players with his profile often become important rotation contributors over time. He can defend multiple positions, bring energy, and add toughness to lineups.
For a Raptors team that values physicality and defensive versatility, Murray-Boyles fits the identity well. Protecting him would be a forward-looking decision. It would also prevent another team from taking a chance on a young player with clear upside.
Notable Players Left Exposed
Leaving players unprotected does not mean they lack value. It simply reflects difficult roster decisions. Toronto would likely risk exposing several role players and depth pieces. That includes players who contribute in smaller roles but are not central to the team’s long-term plans. These decisions are never easy. However, protecting younger players with upside often proves to be the smarter strategy.
Balancing the Present and Future
Expansion drafts force teams to think strategically. For the Raptors, the focus should remain on building around a young core while maintaining enough talent to stay competitive. This list reflects that balance. It prioritizes star talent, young upside, and positional value.
If the Toronto Raptors were placed in an expansion draft scenario, losing a solid role player would be difficult. However, protecting the right core would ensure the team remains competitive moving forward. In the end, expansion drafts are certainly about long-term vision. For the Raptors, that vision still revolves around development, versatility, and building a sustainable contender.
Featured Image: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images