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
GettyHead coach of the Toronto Raptors Darko Rajakovic speaks during media day on October 2, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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.”
Key’s G League Season
GettyTyreke Key #4 of the Tennessee Volunteers drives down the court against the Missouri Tigers in the first half during the quarterfinals of the 2023 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 10, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.
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
GettyTyreke Key #4 of the Tennessee Volunteers goes for two against the Austin Peay Governors in the first half at Thompson-Boling Arena on December 21, 2022 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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
GettyHead coach Darko Rajakovic of the Toronto Raptors reacts against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena on March 31, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan.
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.
Toronto Raptors Announce Release Of Player Before Knicks Game