The Toronto Raptors have made a late-season roster move by bringing in Markelle Fultz on a short-term 10-day contract, offering the former No. 1 overall pick another opportunity to re-establish himself at the NBA level. The decision comes as the team looks to strengthen its backcourt options during a crucial stretch of the 2025–26 campaign.
Fultz, who was selected first overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, arrives in Toronto with a mix of experience and motivation. After spending time with the Sacramento Kings last season, he did not immediately secure a long-term NBA role. Instead, he joined the Raptors’ G League affiliate, Raptors 905, where he has been working to rebuild rhythm, confidence, and consistency. His recent performances at that level appear to have convinced Toronto’s front office that he deserves another chance in the league.
During his stint with Raptors 905, the 27-year-old guard has shown encouraging signs. In six appearances—all of them starts—he has averaged 9.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.5 rebounds while playing just over 22 minutes per game. While those numbers may not jump off the page, they reflect solid all-around contributions and, perhaps more importantly, a level of control and playmaking that could translate into a useful role at the NBA level.
Fultz’s most recent NBA action came during the 2024–25 season with Sacramento, where he played a limited role off the bench. In 21 games, he averaged 2.7 points, 1.0 rebound, and 1.3 assists in under nine minutes per contest. Although those figures suggest a reduced role, they do not fully capture his career trajectory or potential impact. Over the course of his NBA career, which includes stops with the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic, Fultz has accumulated significant experience, appearing in 255 games with 164 starts. His career averages of 10.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game demonstrate his ability to contribute as both a scorer and facilitator when given consistent minutes.
For Toronto, the timing of this move is particularly important. The team has dealt with inconsistency and injuries in the guard rotation throughout the season, creating a need for additional depth and stability. By signing Fultz to a 10-day contract, the Raptors are effectively taking a low-risk approach to address that need. The deal provides the coaching staff with a brief but meaningful window to evaluate how well he fits within the team’s system, both in terms of on-court performance and chemistry with teammates.
The signing also follows a strong individual outing from RJ Barrett, who recently delivered a standout performance with a season-high 31 points in a win over the Dallas Mavericks. While that performance highlighted the offensive talent already on the roster, it also underscored a broader issue: the Raptors have struggled to consistently compete against the league’s stronger teams. Adding a player like Fultz, who can handle the ball and create opportunities for others, may help address some of those shortcomings.
At 6-foot-4 and weighing 209 pounds, Fultz brings size and versatility to the guard position. His ability to run the offense, penetrate defenses, and contribute defensively gives Toronto additional options as they navigate the final stretch of the season. He is expected to wear No. 21 and could be available as early as the team’s next game, depending on how quickly he integrates into the lineup.
Ultimately, this move represents both an opportunity for the Raptors and a potential turning point for Fultz. For Toronto, it’s a chance to bolster their roster with a capable and experienced guard without long-term commitment. For Fultz, it’s another shot to prove he still belongs at the highest level of basketball—and perhaps earn a more permanent role moving forward.
