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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 19: Head coach Darko Rajakovic of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 19, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Getty Images)
On Friday evening, the Toronto Raptors will be in Manhattan to face off with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
The Raptors are coming off a 128-114 victory over the Knicks (at home in Canada).
Brandon Ingram led the team with 37 points.
Toronto Raptors Announce Release Of Player
GettyHead coach of the Toronto Raptors Darko Rajakovic speaks during media day on October 2, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Tyreke Key was recently signed by the Raptors (on April 6).
That said, he has not played in a game for the team.
Blake Murphy of Sportsnet wrote (on April 9): “Tyreke Key is inactive again tonight. It’s possible he ends up a ‘Phantom Raptor’ like Justice Winslow, on the team but not on the official play register.
I say that because Raptors will need to cut Key before tomorrow’s game if they want to convert Lawson or Martin on Sunday.”
Before Friday’s game against the Knicks, the Raptors have now announced that they had waived Key.
Josh Lewenberg of TSN wrote: “The Raptors have waived Tyreke Key. They’ll be able to convert one of their two-ways, AJ Lawson or Alijah Martin, to a standard NBA contract before the end of the weekend, making them playoff eligible.”
The Raptors have waived Tyreke Key. They’ll be able to convert one of their two-ways, AJ Lawson or Alijah Martin, to a standard NBA contract before the end of the weekend, making them playoff eligible.
Key’s G League Season
GettyTyreke Key #4 of the Tennessee Volunteers drives down the court against the Missouri Tigers in the first half during the quarterfinals of the 2023 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 10, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Key has yet to make his NBA debut after two seasons in the G League.
During the 2026 regular season, he had averages of 16.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per contest while shooting 52.1% from the field and 42.1% from three-point range in 33 games (14 starts).
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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