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Raptors rumors: The underrated free agent in danger of leaving
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- Raptors rumors: The underrated free agent in danger of leaving
Raptors rumors: The underrated free agent in danger of leaving appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Toronto Raptors may have a difficult time retaining one of their key frontcourt contributors when NBA free agency opens. According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Raptors are preparing for forward Sandro Mamukelashvili to test the open market despite their desire to reach a new agreement before free agency officially begins.
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"Sources say that the Raptors, amid Toronto's ongoing trade conversations on various fronts, are bracing for big man Sandro Mamukelashvili to test the open market. The Raptors hope to come to terms on a new deal with the Georgian forward before the marketplace opens, but Mamukelashvili is expected to have multiple suitors at a sizable portion of the full $15 million midlevel exception if he does not score a new deal from Toronto before Tuesday evening at 6 PM ET."
Mamukelashvili emerged as an important piece of Toronto's frontcourt rotation during the 2025-26 season, averaging 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting an efficient 52.3% from the field across 80 regular-season games.
His role, however, diminished during the Raptors' first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers . Over seven games, Mamukelashvili averaged 5.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in 14.9 minutes per contest. But despite his diminished role in the playoffs, he emerged as a key signing for the Raptors in the 2025 offseason following his two-year stint with the San Antonio Spurs . He very well could be key to the Raptors once again looking to make the playoffs, as they look to upgrade their roster at key positions.
With several teams reportedly prepared to pursue him using a significant portion of the midlevel exception, the Raptors could face stiff competition to keep one of their most productive reserve big men heading into next season.
Related: NBA rumors: Raptors' 'preferred' Kawhi Leonard trade scenario amid 'real' talks with Clippers
