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Raptors Reboot: Chris Paul, Youth Movement, and Fantasy Implications for 2026
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

When your tech is on the fritz, the best solution may be to reboot your device. That’s more or less what the Toronto Raptors did at the trade deadline, and the moves they made come with new fantasy implications.

Toronto moved at the February 5 deadline to acquire Chris Paul from the LA Clippers in a three-way salary dump, and also get Trayce Jackson-Davis from the Golden State Warriors for a second-round pick. It’s created chaos as the below-500 Raptors move to rebuild around Scottie Barnes. It has also opened the door for short-term plays, long-term stashes, and waiver tips in the fantasy world.

Here is what managers should know about the Raptors reboot as they retool their fantasy rosters.

Chris Paul’s Short-Term Role

Chris Paul offers short-term assist streaming if active, but waiver risk and rest make his fantasy value extremely volatile.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Projection and Volatility

Unsurprisingly, CP3’s value is incredibly volatile since he’s 40 years old, injury-prone, and unlikely to play a big role. (Plus, he could also get waived.) If he sticks around briefly, he could potentially post upwards of six assists per game.

Teammate Impact

Paul has barely played any games this season, so he would be more of a veteran presence than a playmaker if he sticks around. Assists could be a boost from short-term streaming, but his age and injury history add a lot of fade risk.

Youth Movement Winners

Trayce Jackson-Davis Opportunity

Trayce Jackson-Davis gains rebound and block upside as Toronto shifts minutes toward youth development.© Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

This is TJD’s time to go from Warriors’ bench player to full-time contributor. He is projected to post 8-10 rebounds per game while playing alongside center Jakob Poetl, and his higher usage means a boost in blocks. Jackson-Davis is a sleeper when it comes to boards and blocks and is worth being stashed.

Collin Murray-Boyles Opportunity

Collin Murray-Boyles profiles as a situational streamer when Toronto leans fully into tank rotations.Bob Frid-Imagn Images

The Jackson-Davis add doesn’t significantly take away from Murray-Boyles, who offers efficient shooting in addition to solid defense when he’s given minutes. (If the Raptors had traded for a player like Domantas Sabonis, it would be another story.) Murray-Boyle has streaming potential and could get more opportunities since Toronto’s schedule is fairly easy after the All-Star break.

Scottie Barnes’ Impact

Second-Half Usage

Roster centerpieces typically see a decrease in usage when a team is tanking, but it looks like Barnes won’t be slowing down since Toronto is essentially building a team around him. And since he’s a candidate for end-of-season honors, it’s unlikely Barnes’ play time will decrease significantly. Managers can keep playing him confidently.

Conclusion

The Raptors hit the reboot button at the trade deadline, but there is opportunity for fantasy managers amid the chaos. Monitor the latest news on Chris Paul’s status, stash undervalued talent like Trayce Jackson-Davis, and keep an eye on young players getting chances in the second half of the season.

Raptors Reboot FAQs: Fantasy Implications, Projections, and Tips Post-2026 Moves

Chris Paul fantasy value with Raptors?
Short-term assist upside around 6-8 APG if active, but waiver risk and rest make him highly volatile.

Trayce Jackson-Davis projections in Toronto?
Projected 8-10 rebounds per game with block upside in an expanded youth-focused role.

How is Scottie Barnes impacted by the moves?
Usage and assists should hold steady or increase as Toronto builds around him.

Best Raptors waiver adds post-deadline?
Trayce Jackson-Davis for rebounds and blocks, plus young players benefiting from tank lineups.

Does youth movement increase fantasy volatility?
Yes, minutes rise now, but shutdown and rest risks grow late in the season.

Should fantasy managers stash Raptors players?
Best suited for deep leagues and short-term streams rather than long-term redraft stability.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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