The Toronto Raptors could have far more flexibility on the trade market than many people realise.

With the 2026-27 season approaching, Toronto possesses a mixture of young talent, valuable contracts and future first-round picks that could become extremely important if the front office decides another major roster move is necessary.

That does not mean the Raptors are preparing to trade all of their most valuable pieces. Quite the opposite. Some of these assets are likely to remain in Toronto unless another team presents an extraordinary offer.

But if the Raptors suddenly find themselves in position to make a significant upgrade, they have enough ammunition to get involved.

Here are the five assets that could give Toronto the most leverage.

5. The 2028 first-round pick

Toronto still controls several of its own first-round selections through 2033, and the 2028 pick represents one of the earliest pieces the franchise can potentially put into a trade.

There is little reason for the Raptors to rush into moving it.

Future first-rounders can become extremely valuable, particularly when a team is trying to acquire an established star. If the right opportunity appears, however, Toronto could eventually decide that using one of those selections is worthwhile.

For now, patience appears to be the smarter approach.

4. The 2029 first-round pick

The 2029 selection may be even more intriguing because of the restrictions surrounding Toronto’s other future picks.

The Raptors are limited in how they can move certain selections because of the NBA’s Stepien Rule, while the 2031 and 2033 picks are reportedly involved in the proposed package surrounding the Kawhi Leonard situation.

That makes the 2029 pick an especially interesting asset.

Toronto could keep it as a long-term investment or potentially use it as part of a much larger package for a player who immediately improves the roster.

3. Ja’Kobe Walter

Walter is arguably one of the more interesting young trade pieces on Toronto’s roster.

The 22-year-old is entering his third NBA season after showing meaningful development between his rookie and sophomore campaigns. If that progress continues, his value could rise considerably.

His contract also makes him attractive from a trade perspective. Walter is scheduled to earn roughly $3.8 million in 2026-27 and $5.8 million the following season, giving Toronto a relatively inexpensive young player who could potentially be included in a larger deal.

Still, there is a strong argument for keeping him.

If Walter continues developing, Toronto could eventually have a player whose production significantly exceeds the cost of his contract.

2. RJ Barrett

Barrett is perhaps the most obvious player on this list when it comes to trade flexibility.

The former lottery pick is entering the final year of his current contract and is set to earn approximately $29.6 million this season.

That salary could become particularly useful if Toronto decides to pursue a high-level player.

At 26, Barrett is also entering what should be the prime portion of his career. That leaves the Raptors with two options: continue viewing him as an important part of their future or use his contract as part of a package designed to address another weakness.

His performance this season could ultimately determine which path Toronto chooses.

With Scottie Barnes and Kawhi Leonard expected to occupy major roles moving forward, Toronto will have an important decision to make regarding Barrett’s long-term place.

1. Collin Murray-Boyles

For all the trade possibilities surrounding Toronto, there is one young player who should arguably be considered off-limits.

Collin Murray-Boyles was selected ninth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, and the Raptors quickly saw signs that he could become an important piece of their future.

His two-way ability immediately stood out, but his playoff performance provided an even bigger glimpse of his potential. Against Cleveland in a seven-game series, Murray-Boyles averaged 14.4 points per game while showing the sort of versatility Toronto will desperately want to develop.

That makes him far more valuable than simply another trade chip.

The Raptors should only consider moving Murray-Boyles if another franchise presents an extraordinary package capable of dramatically changing Toronto’s championship outlook.

Short of an offer involving a genuine franchise-altering superstar, keeping him should be the priority.

Toronto’s trade position is stronger than it looks

The bigger picture is what makes these assets so important.

Toronto has young players who could appreciate in value, contracts that can facilitate major transactions and future draft capital that could eventually be converted into proven NBA talent.

That gives the front office options.

The Raptors do not have to make a blockbuster trade. They can wait, evaluate how the roster develops and strike if the right opportunity emerges.

And that may ultimately be the most important asset of all: flexibility.

If Toronto becomes convinced that one major addition could transform the team into a legitimate contender, the pieces are there to make a serious offer.

But one player in particular should make the front office think twice before answering the phone.

Murray-Boyles is not simply another asset.

He could be part of the reason the Raptors eventually stop searching for the next franchise cornerstone.