The Toronto Raptors officially have their roster ready for the regular season, with more changes likely to come. The team announced Saturday morning that it has waived five players: guards Nimari Burnett, Jalen Celestine, and Tyreke Key, forward Tyson Degenhart and centre Jamarion Sharp.

The roster now stands at 14 players, which is one that is able to be carried into the season. Burnett and Key especially stood out in preseason for stretches, but both are now likely destined for the Raptors 905. Here’s what I wrote about Burnett from Toronto’s final preseason game against the Detroit Pistons:

Burnett plays like he knows what’s happening on the court. It’s rare for non-NBA players to be so heady, but Burnett just knows where to be. He was one of Toronto’s toothiest defenders against Detroit, and he was able to jump passing lanes and even protect the rim as a helper, high-pointing a layup attempt for a proper NBA-caliber guard in Daniss Jenkins. He battled on the glass and won some contested ones against an extremely physical and athletic Pistons squad. He even took a charge. Burnett is long and smart, and that’s a functional combination.

And offensively, Burnett was fantastic. He scored efficiently, largely because he didn’t force anything, hit his jumpers, and drew free throws. Because he cut well and finished in traffic, he made things easier for his guards, who were, depending on who was initiating, over-matched against Detroit’s pressure.

Burnett is the type of player who makes his teammates better by virtue of being on the court. He will generally win his minutes as a result. He’s no isolation star, and it remains to be seen if he will have a role at the NBA level. But if the Raptors keep him in house, I would expect his presence to help facilitate development for his teammates on the 905. He’ll help them win games and improve everyone by being there. I would give Burnett a two-way contract if I were the decision-maker for the Raptors.

If that game against the Pistons is an indicator, the Raptors 905 — who fought the Pistons’ starters tooth and nail all game — should be a very strong team.

The Raptors have also signed Nate Bittle to a two-way contract, which makes him eligible to play for the Raptors as well as the Raptors 905. While he is currently in a walking boot, he has a medical appointment upcoming that, if all goes well, could mean he’s ready to go sooner rather than later. Bittle gives the Raptors size, shot-blocking, and floor-spacing on the offensive end. He is an insurance piece at the center spot, with the Raptors already able to play flexibly with Jakob Poeltl when they need to be big and Collin Murray-Boyles when they need to be small. But when anyone is hurt, Bittle should be able to capably step in and sop up minutes.

While Bittle didn’t play in Toronto’s preseason due to injury, you can read our own Samson Folk about him here.

The Raptors still have one two-way spot available, as well as one roster spot. There are likely moves yet to be made, though the team could easily carry this current iteration into the season and look to fill those slots in coming weeks.

Toronto’s regular season begins on Wednesday, as the Raptors host the Chicago Bulls to begin their 2026-27 season.