Can Toronto's Wing Rotation Problem Be Solved Through Strategic Adjustments?

The Toronto Raptors entered the 2025 season with a promising yet precarious roster construction. By acquiring Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline and committing $40 million annually to retain him, the franchise created an interesting puzzle: three talented wings—Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett—competing for minutes that simply don’t exist to accommodate all three simultaneously. While limited periods of three-wing lineups might emerge, the math doesn’t add up for consistent rotation depth. This structural imbalance will likely force the Raptors’ front office to make a difficult decision about their wing inventory.

The Case for Repositioning Barrett

Given that Barnes represents the franchise’s foundational piece and Ingram remains unproven in Toronto colors, market logic suggests Barrett would become the logical trade candidate. If the organization proceeds with this direction, they’ll need to address specific roster gaps to maintain competitive balance.

What Toronto Needs to Acquire

The first priority is perimeter shooting. Neither Barnes nor Ingram provides reliable three-point volume from distance—Barnes is still developing this skill while Ingram remains reluctant to launch. The Raptors require players capable of spacing the floor whether attacking off the dribble or catching and shooting in rhythm. Chicago’s Coby White ($12.8 million salary) and Boston’s Derrick White ($28.1 million) represent intriguing possibilities, though the Coby White avenue presents fewer financial complications. Adding such a player would complement the existing wing rotation, particularly alongside Gradey Dick in the backcourt, creating multiple offensive threats that don’t demand constant ball possession.

The secondary need involves adding physical frontcourt presence. While Jakob Pöltl provides solid center production and showed offensive improvement last season, acquiring a true floor-spacing power forward or center would expand the team’s tactical flexibility. This would allow Barnes and Ingram to operate as primary scorers while surrounded by complementary pieces that stretch defenses horizontally.

Understanding Barrett’s Trade Value

Any acquiring team must recognize both Barrett’s strengths and inherent limitations. His trajectory shifted dramatically after arriving from New York in the OG Anunoby transaction. The Knicks had utilized him as a guard, forcing him to defend quicker opponents while functioning in traditional backcourt roles. Toronto reimagined him as a forward—specifically a power forward rather than shooting guard—which fundamentally changed his contribution profile.

This positional adjustment unlocked tangible benefits. The 6’6 wing’s scoring efficiency improved considerably, and his playmaking ability gained prominence when paired with a traditional four-spot occupant. Barrett transformed from an off-ball guard into a playmaking forward, expanding offensive possibilities around his skillset. His core limitations remain—shooting isn’t a natural strength—but within the framework of slashing, playmaking, and position-flexibility, he retains value around the league.

The Raptors’ decision point approaches quickly: either build around this three-wing configuration through patient adjustment, or activate the trade market to create more symmetrical roster architecture. Barrett’s eventual availability will clarify Toronto’s philosophical direction.