Toronto Raptors Announce Release Of Player Before Knicks Game

Getty

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 19: Head coach Darko Rajakovic of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 19, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Getty Images)

On Friday evening, the Toronto Raptors will be in Manhattan to face off with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

The Raptors are coming off a 128-114 victory over the Miami Heat (at home in Canada).

Brandon Ingram led the team with 37 points.

Toronto Raptors Announce Release Of Player

Tyreke Key was recently signed by the Raptors (on April 6).

That said, he has not played in a game for the team.

Blake Murphy of Sportsnet wrote (on April 9): “Tyreke Key is inactive again tonight. It’s possible he ends up a ‘Phantom Raptor’ like Justice Winslow, on the team but not on the official play register.

I say that because Raptors will need to cut Key before tomorrow’s game if they want to convert Lawson or Martin on Sunday.”

Before Friday’s game against the Knicks, the Raptors have now announced that they waived Key.

Josh Lewenberg of TSN wrote: “The Raptors have waived Tyreke Key. They’ll be able to convert one of their two-ways, AJ Lawson or Alijah Martin, to a standard NBA contract before the end of the weekend, making them playoff eligible.”

Josh Lewenberg

@JLew1050 · Follow

The Raptors have waived Tyreke Key. They’ll be able to convert one of their two-ways, AJ Lawson or Alijah Martin, to a standard NBA contract before the end of the weekend, making them playoff eligible.

11:35 am · 10 Apr 2026

186 Reply Copy link Read 7 replies

Key’s G League Season

Key has yet to make his NBA debut after two seasons in the G League.

During the 2026 regular season, he had averages of 16.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per contest while shooting 52.1% from the field and 42.1% from three-point range in 33 games (14 starts).

NBA Fans React To Release Of Key

Here’s what fans were saying about the move:

@Aboody_awwad: “What on earth was the point of signing him”

@beanballing: “surely aj lawson getting the final roster spot”

@scottierbarner4: “Can someone please explain why we waived him”

@KingShives06: “I’d assume AJ gets converted”

Raptors Ahead Of Knicks Game

The Raptors come into the night as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 45-35 record in 80 games.

They are in the middle of a two-game winning streak (and 6-4 over their last ten).

Following the Knicks, the Raptors will play their final game of the 2026 regular season when they return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday in Canada.