With the Kawhi Leonard trade now done and official for the Toronto Raptors, the focus now shifts to the rest of the roster ahead of training camp.
Because of Leonard’s massive contract, Toronto finds itself hard-capped at the first apron, limiting flexibility to add two players to fill out their 14th and 15th roster spots. This has led to speculation that Toronto will convert rookie guard Jaden Bradley’s two-way deal to a standard deal, as they could afford to do that financially. It would also reopen a two-way spot for one of the players the Raptors have invited to training camp.
With Nate Bittle's health status still unclear, it feels like Nimari Burnett may have the edge at camp if a two-way spot opens up. The Raptors do need guard play and some insurance back there, as Immanuel Quickley has struggled to stay healthy for a whole season in a Raptors jersey.
Burnett could check that box and provide versatility as an on- and off-the-ball scorer who also has a good track record as a three-point shooter in college.
Burnett has the skill set to earn the final two-way spot
If you’re unfamiliar with Burnett before he joined the Raptors for Summer League, he started all 40 games for the national championship-winning Michigan Wolverines last season. He’s a 6-foot-5 compact guard who has a high basketball IQ, can be a good secondary ball handler, and score in bunches. He spent five years in college, starting at Texas Tech, then Alabama, before coming into his own at Michigan.
This past season, he averaged 8.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 37.5 percent from three.
I got to see him play live during the round of 32 when Michigan played St. Louis, where he scored 11 points to go with four rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and two threes. What impressed me most about Burnett was the calculation and calmness in his game—it felt like I was already watching a pro.
That pro presence is one of the main reasons I feel that if Toronto elevates Bradley from his two-way deal, the logical next move would be giving that spot to Burnett. Even though he struggled with efficiency in his five summer league games, his shot-making presence and well-rounded skill set had an impact.
On top of checking the boxes for floor spacing and guard play, which are two areas of need for this Raptors team, he also brings size and defensive potential they lack in the backcourt.
Outside of RJ Barrett, who to me is more of a small forward than an off-guard based on his skill set, Toronto doesn’t have a guard taller than 6-foot-4. While Burnett is listed as 6-foot-5 on some sites and 6-foot-4 on others, he would bring some nice size to the Raptors' guard rotation along with a stocky frame that should translate well physically to the NBA. Burnett isn’t a super-gifted defender by any means, but he has the frame and plays with an effort level that, in a Raptors development system, could help him become a really good defender.
The Raptors are in a tough spot with the back half of their roster going into next season, but they do have options. Elevating Bradley seems like a given heading into camp, and while Burnett might have to earn that two-way spot through his play, he is built to do that. The 24-year-old guard is already a pro, has been a key part of a championship team in college, and has a skill set the Raptors could value.
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