Journeyman centre Castleton off roster as centre picture for 2025-26 season becomes clearer
The Toronto Raptors waived Colin Castleton on July 28th, 2025.
Coming off a turbulent sophomore season, the big man played eleven games for the Toronto Raptors, posting averages of 7.2 points and 6.9 rebounds on two 10-day contracts before a brief stint with the Philadelphia 76ers to finish off the year. Castleton has now played for four teams in the NBA, after earlier terms with the LA Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies.
Before entering the league, Castleton played for both the Michigan Wolverines and Florida Gators in the NCAA. Breaking out in 2021 with the Gators, Castleton led the SEC in blocks with 3.0 per game in the 2022-23 season, while also leading his team in points and rebounds.
The twenty-five-year-old’s departure is indicative of the Raptors’ restructuring at the 5 this offseason, after ringing in Canada Day by signing free agent Sandro “Mamu” Mamukelashvili, and seeing Ulrich Chomche demonstrate potential off the bench at Summer League. Castleton started several games in Summer League, but frequently played the fewest minutes of any starter on the team. With centre Jakob Poeltl locked in for a long-term extension after posting career highs of points and rebounds in the 2024-25 season, the future of the team at the centre position is secure.
Due to all that, the Raptors announced they had let go of Castleton earlier this week. As we approach the lull of August before training camp picks up, more and more about the Raptors’ roster is becoming clear. This season will likely be the first time we get a full look at the core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley.
Prized for defensive upside, Colin Castleton may yet come to find his place in the league, but for now, that place is not in the current Raptors’ roster.