The Toronto Raptors are officially in the thick of their second-half push, but behind closed doors, the front office is already mapping out the summer of 2026 — and free agency could deliver a key piece to solidify their backcourt identity.
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes made a compelling case this week: the Raptors should target Golden State Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton as a free-agent addition this offseason. Hughes sees Melton as an ideal fit, especially if Toronto moves RJ Barrett in a trade to create cap flexibility or roster space.
“A likely taxpayer, the Toronto Raptors are more likely to improve themselves via trade than through free agency,” Hughes wrote. “However they go about adding a big name or a frontcourt option with some stretch, there’s a good chance RJ Barrett is involved as an outgoing salary. That’s why De’Anthony Melton would be such an ideal signing.
“Melton is now a year removed from a torn ACL and has shown surprising burst as a frequent ball-handler in Golden State. He can still disrupt on defense, guard anyone in the backcourt and should become even more valuable when his three-point shot returns to form.
“If Barrett is gone, Melton could slide into a starting spot next to Immanuel Quickley. And if the Raptors don’t swing a big trade, Melton could still carve out a major combo guard role with his two-way value. The only question is whether he’ll get offers larger than the TPMLE.”
Melton’s 2025-26 Profile & Why He Fits Toronto
At 27, Melton is in the midst of a strong bounce-back season with the Warriors after missing most of 2024-25 recovering from ACL surgery. Through mid-February 2026, he’s averaging 11.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and a career-best 1.6 steals per game in 22–25 minutes per night. His three-point shooting has dipped to 27% this year (on moderate volume), but that’s viewed as an anomaly — he’s a career 37.5% shooter from deep and has shown flashes of regaining that form.
Where Melton shines most is defense: elite on-ball pressure, quick hands, and the versatility to guard 1–3 (and even switch onto some 4s). Under Darko Rajakovic — who has repeatedly emphasized building a defensive identity — Melton would be a perfect fit alongside Immanuel Quickley (offensive spark) and Scottie Barnes (two-way star). He could start at the 2 or play combo guard off the bench, providing ball-handling relief, perimeter defense, and secondary creation without needing high usage.
The ACL concern is real — Melton missed significant time and hasn’t returned to full pre-injury burst — but he’s looked explosive in Golden State’s motion system, and Toronto would likely target a short-term deal (2 years, $15–20M total) rather than a long-term max. Hughes notes the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (TPMLE) could be in play if the Raptors remain over the cap, but if they clear space (e.g., via Barrett trade), they could offer more.
Realistic Outlook for Toronto
- Pros: Low-risk upside. Melton is a proven two-way guard who fits Rajakovic’s system and could immediately upgrade the backcourt defense. If his shot returns to career norms, he’s a steal.
- Cons: Injury history and shooting dip make him a gamble. If the Raptors swing for a bigger name (e.g., a trade for a star wing or frontcourt piece), Melton might be secondary.
- Cap Context: Toronto is projected as a taxpayer team in 2026, but moving Barrett or other pieces could open doors. The TPMLE (around $5–6M) is realistic without major moves.
The Raptors return from the All-Star break next Thursday (February 19, 2026) against the Chicago Bulls at 8 p.m. ET inside the United Center. Fans can catch the game on Sportsnet or stream via NBA League Pass.
Raptors fans, would you love to see De’Anthony Melton in Toronto next season — either on the TPMLE or a short deal? Does he fix the backcourt defense and give Quickley a true running mate? Or would you rather target a bigger splash in free agency/trade? Drop your takes in the comments — the summer window could reshape this roster!