More than a month has gone by since the 2025 NBA trade deadline, and with that time frame, there's already plenty of film on the former Raptors players who left the Six. At this year's deadline, the Raptors faithful bid farewell to three veterans: the defensive stud guard, Davion Mitchell, proven championship-caliber wing Bruce Brown, and hometown stretch big Kelly Olynyk.
While the Raptors community was mostly convinced that other players could end up on the trade market, names like Chris Boucher and Jakob Poeltl circulated in the rumor mill until the team ultimately decided to stand pat with them remaining in Toronto.
Rewinding back to the three names that had their Raptors' stints cut short, Mitchell was dealt to the Miami Heat in what was essentially a salary dump, while Brown and Olynyk served as the salary-matching players in the Raptors' successful attempt to bring in former All-Star Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans.
It always brings a sense of loss to see a Raptors player leave the city. Even though these three guys didn’t have a wealth of tenure within the franchise, they were still fan favorites in their own right.
So, how has the past month and a bit been for these three players as they settle into their new teams? Let’s dive into their season stats and team roles now, and see how they stack up against their time in Toronto.
Davion Mitchell
Even though his fit in the rotation alongside a similarly statured guard in Jamal Shead was a bit redundant, I truly believed the Raptors would keep Davion Mitchell around as an X-factor POA (Point of Attack) defender who could hound opposing guards. But alas, his time in the Six would be cut short.
Mitchell would appear in a total of 44 games for the Toronto Raptors, starting in half of them. He posted the following averages: 6.3 points on 43% shooting from the field, nearly 36% from three, and 4.6 assists in 24.5 minutes per game. Very solid numbers from a backup guard who served as a reliable option for the starting role when necessary.
Now, in his new home of South Beach, Mitchell is getting more playing time in an enhanced role, as he is a seamless fit within the "Heat Culture" dynamic. The 26-year-old has played 15 games so far with the Heat, starting in 14 of them and picking up right where he left off in Toronto—and then some. Mitchell is averaging 9.1 points on an improved 51% shooting from the field, 47% from three, 4.7 assists, and just over a steal per game in 31.2 minutes played.
Obviously, those numbers are bound to take a bit of a dip as the Heat season draws closer to its end, but it's great to see Mitchell doing well in his new situation. You couldn't ask for a better turnaround for someone who was a stand-up gentleman during his time with the Raptors.
Bruce Brown
It seemed like forever until the Raptors finally dealt away Bruce Brown. At first, I was completely on board with him leaving Toronto in exchange for something else. However, he went on a bit of a run and quickly began to establish himself as a helpful veteran presence for this young Raptors team, and I started to envision a future where he could thrive up north.
Be that as it may, the Raptors ultimately found the deal they were looking for, using his substantial contract to balance the finances in order to acquire Brandon Ingram; so it was all justified in the end.
Brown's stint in Toronto spanned two seasons, during which he made a total of 52 appearances as a member of the Toronto Raptors, starting in just 11 of those games. In those appearances, he averaged the following stats: 9.2 points on 46% shooting from the field, 31% from three, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in just over 23 minutes played per game.
Brown may be finding the adjustment to a new environment challenging, as he has been struggling significantly, averaging these numbers in the Big Easy: 5.3 points on a weak 32% field goal shooting, a putrid 16% from three, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
While it was initially thought that Brown could hit the open market as a buyout candidate, both he and the Pelicans have expressed interest in keeping him around as an impactful veteran presence for the future. However, he's going to need to elevate his play to justify a new contract.
Kelly Olynyk
In contrast to how poorly Brown has performed for New Orleans, the veteran Canadian stretch big Kelly Olynyk has proven to be one of the middling Pelicans' only healthy players at the center position, and he has done quite well during that time.
But before we get to his new home, let's rewind to Olynyk's time spent with his hometown team, the Toronto Raptors. He was acquired at the 2024 deadline alongside a now-impactful Raptors wing, Ochai Agbaji, who came over from the Utah Jazz. Olynyk quickly proved to be a fantastic addition of national pride to a roster that already boasted RJ Barrett and Chris Boucher.
Olynyk appeared in 52 total games with the Raptors, starting in 21 of them, and posted these averages over a two-season (though not full seasons) span with Toronto: 10.1 points on a solid 53% field goal shooting, 37% from three-point range, 4.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and one steal in just over 21 minutes of on-court time.
Now in New Orleans, Olynyk's role has increased slightly, as he has been averaging 25.3 minutes played in a starting capacity. In the nine games he has played thus far, he has posted the following averages: 10.2 points on a solid 46% field goal efficiency, a bit of a dip to 35% from three, but still displaying well-rounded versatility with 7.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
For a Pelicans squad that will likely aim for a quick return to playoff relevance (much like the Raptors) next season, following a very disappointing 2024-25 campaign, Olynyk appears to be an ideal veteran big who can still contribute to their efforts, despite his age and injury history.