This Raptors squad is far from flawless. The roster has plenty of holes, and that’s not just because Kawhi Leonard is absent.
Toronto could use some considerable upgrades, particularly at point guard — a position that has long been a concern. Immanuel Quickley’s role has drawn mixed reactions, as he doesn’t exactly fit the mold of a prototypical floor general.
He’s valuable as a key shooting option, but when his shot isn’t falling, his decision-making and reads can leave a lot to be desired. It almost feels like the Raptors have limited how they can use Quickley, despite going all-in to bring him back on a long-term extension several years ago.
One name floated in the past as a potential trade target who could bring a different element to the point guard spot is Kyrie Irving.
Irving suffered an ACL tear in March 2025 and spent the entire 2025–26 season recovering. The seasoned vet, now 34, is back at full strength and looks like his usual self: he’s averaging 21.4 points, 4.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals through five games.
Coming into the season, Irving’s presence on a seemingly rebuilding Dallas Mavericks team made him a prominent name to watch on the trade market — and a player likely to draw interest from around the league. The Mavericks currently sit ninth in the Western Conference at 4–3. With the standings still tight and Dallas just 2.5 games back, the team could make a run and climb the conference rankings.
And based on the latest update from NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks aren’t in a rush to move on from their experienced point guard. Teams have tried to gauge Irving’s availability, but Stein suggests he may have been off the market for some time.
Mavericks plan to keep Kyrie Irving, and that’s not what the Raptors wanted to hear
“I’ve been writing about this since June. June is when the Mavs started telling teams, Kyrie Irving is not available. You can call for him, we are not making him available. […] Things are going so well early and the Mavs have consistently told teams, they don’t even want to field your call on Kyrie Irving.”
The Raptors haven’t looked like a particularly competent playoff hopeful lately. Scottie Barnes deserves plenty of credit for his strong efforts during this tough stretch, but the rest of the cast hasn’t been reliable night after night.
Even in Toronto’s win over the Clippers last night, the Raptors trailed for most of the game before clawing their way back. That affair showed how much they’re missing an extra clutch shot-maker who can consistently create and convert quality looks to close things out. Toronto largely got it done at the free-throw line late-game, with Immanuel Quickley, funnily enough, accounting for a lot of those points, all behind a spirited push from a labored but relentless Scottie B.
But a proven scorer like Kyrie Irving could give the Raptors a sure-fire option in those tight spots. He’s been one of the most efficient bucket-getter point guards in NBA history, after all, and that’s something this squad is desperately missing. IQ is just way too streaky and Irving would give Toronto a legitimate third option (even second, maybe) behind Scottie Barnes and Kawhi Leonard.
Still, as Stein reports, any hopes of seeing Irving in a Raptors uniform (or anywhere outside Dallas) may need to go on the back burner. He isn’t going anywhere, at least for now.
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