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The Toronto Raptors made a series of roster moves on Saturday, converting centre Nate Bittle’s contract to a two-way deal while waiving five players ahead of their upcoming regular season opener.
Bittle Earns Two-Way Deal After Strong College Career
Bittle, a seven-foot centre from Central Point, Oregon, impressed during his final college season at Oregon. The fifth-year senior averaged a team-high 16.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game across 25 appearances. His strong performance clearly caught the attention of Toronto’s front office, leading to the two-way contract conversion.
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A two-way contract allows a player to split time between an NBA roster and the G League. For Bittle, the deal represents a meaningful step toward securing a permanent spot in the league.
Five Players Released by Toronto
At the same time, the Raptors cut five players from their roster. Forward Tyson Degenhart, centre Jamarion Sharp and guards Nimari Burnett, Jalen Celestine and Tyreke Key all received waiver notices. The team confirmed the moves through an official NBA news release.
These cuts are a standard part of the roster-trimming process teams complete before the regular season begins. Toronto now moves forward with a tighter, more defined group heading into the new campaign.
Raptors Open Regular Season Wednesday
The Raptors will tip off their regular season on Wednesday night. The Chicago Bulls will visit Toronto for the opening game. It will be the first chance for fans to see the newly shaped roster in competitive action.
With the Bittle signing now official, Toronto has added a young, high-scoring big man to its depth chart. His college numbers suggest he can contribute immediately if called upon. However, he will need to continue developing to carve out consistent NBA minutes over the course of the season.
The Raptors enter the new year with changes across their roster. These moves signal the direction the organization is taking as it builds for the future. Wednesday’s home opener against Chicago will offer an early look at how those decisions play out on the court.
