The 2026 NBA Finals are officially upon us, and while the basketball world is mesmerized by the high-stakes chess match between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, the Toronto Raptors’ front office has a different mission. With free agency looming, the Raptors are scouting the biggest stage in sports to find the veteran pieces needed to bridge the gap between their young core and legitimate title contention.
As Toronto looks to supplement a roster already anchored by Scottie Barnes, the upcoming free agency period offers a golden opportunity. Even with an expensive core, the Raptors have tools at their disposal—including the mid-level exception—to lure experienced players who have “been there, done that.” Here are four players from the Finals rosters who could realistically be targets for Toronto this summer.
1. Landry Shamet (G, New York Knicks)
If the Raptors are searching for a “plug-and-play” three-point assassin, look no further. At 29, Shamet has established himself as a reliable 3-and-D wing. A career 38.6 percent shooter from deep, Shamet brings a level of spacing that the Raptors have craved for years. He isn’t just a shooter, though; his defensive versatility allows him to slot into multiple lineups. If Toronto can manage his asking price, Shamet represents the prototypical modern NBA role player who could immediately raise the Raptors’ offensive floor.
2. Jordan Clarkson (G, New York Knicks)
Could a former Sixth Man of the Year be the missing link for Toronto’s second unit? While Clarkson is nearing 34, his ability to manufacture offense in stagnating situations is undeniable. Yes, his shooting can be streaky, but he possesses the rare “green light” mentality that can dig a team out of a scoring drought. Beyond the box score, Clarkson’s veteran presence would be invaluable for a young prospect like Ja’Kobe Walter, and his popularity could provide a massive spark for Toronto’s vibrant Filipino community. He’s a high-reward, low-risk signing if the price is right.
3. Mitchell Robinson (C, New York Knicks)
The Raptors’ struggle to secure defensive rebounds and protect the rim was a recurring nightmare during the postseason. Enter Mitchell Robinson. While his injury history requires caution, there is no denying his impact as a rim-protector. Averaging 1.7 blocks over his eight-year career, Robinson is an elite interior presence who thrives as a rim-running lob threat. In Toronto’s system, he could serve as the “defensive insurance policy” for Jakob Poeltl, providing the burly physicality needed to battle the league’s elite bigs.
4. Harrison Barnes (F, San Antonio Spurs)
Out of the entire Finals bunch, Harrison Barnes feels like the “ultimate” Raptors signing. At 6-foot-7, he fits the classic Toronto mold of a versatile wing, but with one massive difference: his elite, consistent shooting. Barnes shot 43.3 percent from deep with the Spurs in 2024-25, and he brings a championship pedigree, having won a title with the Golden State Warriors in 2015. Barnes is the definition of a “grizzled vet”—a leader who can mentor the youth, play either forward spot, and still show up when the pressure is at its peak.
The Path to Contention
Toronto doesn’t need to rebuild; they need to refine. By targeting battle-tested veterans from the Finals stage, the Raptors are signaling that they are ready to compete now. Whether it is the shooting of Barnes and Shamet, the playmaking of Clarkson, or the rim protection of Robinson, the Finals are providing a shopping list that could drastically alter the trajectory of the Raptors’ next season.
