Toronto is bringing back one of its young developmental guards after Chucky Hepburn accepted his two-way qualifying offer, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
The move keeps the 22-year-old under team control for the 2026-27 season as the Raptors continue to build organizational depth following a 46-36 campaign that ended with a seven-game first-round playoff loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Hepburn split last season between the Raptors and Raptors 905 after joining the organization on a two-way contract. While his NBA opportunities were limited to two appearances, the former Louisville guard was productive in the G League, averaging 12.4 points, 8.6 assists and 2.4 steals per game while shooting 36.8 percent from three-point range. His playmaking and defensive activity made him one of Raptors 905’s primary backcourt contributors throughout the season.
The qualifying offer ensures Hepburn remains eligible to spend time with both Toronto and its G League affiliate under another two-way agreement. It also allows the Raptors to continue evaluating his development without committing a standard roster spot.
Breaking into Toronto’s regular rotation will remain a challenge given the club’s established guard depth. Immanuel Quickley started all 70 games he played last season and averaged 16.4 points, 5.9 assists and 37.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Jamal Shead appeared in all 82 games, averaging 6.6 points and 5.4 assists while serving as the team’s primary reserve point guard.
Hepburn will also enter training camp alongside another newly added backcourt prospect after Toronto selected Arizona guard Jaden Bradley with the 50th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The organization also added Santa Clara forward Allen Graves with the 19th overall selection, further strengthening its young core around established starters Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett.
Toronto finished fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 46-36 record after posting a 33-19 mark against conference opponents. Barnes earned All-Star honors while finishing fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting after averaging 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks. Ingram led the club in scoring at 21.5 points per game, while Barrett added 19.3 points and Quickley directed the offense with 5.9 assists per contest.
By accepting the qualifying offer rather than entering free agency, Hepburn secures another season in a familiar development system. For the Raptors, retaining a young point guard who has already shown strong passing instincts and perimeter shooting in the G League is a low-risk decision as they continue to build depth behind their established rotation.
