Roster Shakeup: DJ Carton Out, AJ Lawson In

The Raptors make an end-of-the-roster move by cutting DJ Carton and immediately signing AJ Lawson. It might not move the needle with the main club, but this move could be big for the Raptors 905.

The Toronto Raptors announced that the organization has released guard DJ Carton, who was with the team on a Two-Way contract.

Carton caught the eye of the Raptors last season, showing remarkable improvement with Minnesota Timberwolves NBA G League affiliate, Iowa Wolves, averaging 18.6 points and 5.7 assists while shooting 39.5% from behind the arc. He initially signed a 10-day contract and showed some flashes that helped turn that 10-day contract into a Two-Way contract.

Unfortunately, Carton could not stay healthy during his tenure with the Raptors. He was lost for the season almost immediately after signing his Two-Way contract with a foot injury, and he spent more time on the injury report this season than on the floor.

Carton appeared in four games this season with the Toronto Raptors but did more damage in three games with the Raptors 905, putting up 16.3 points, 4.7 boards, and 7 dimes in three games. He hasn’t seen action since November 27th against the Maine Celtics after injuring his foot.

The Raptors currently do not hold Carton’s NBA G League rights (likely still owned by Iowa Wolves).

Per Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto, the Toronto Raptors immediately filled Carton’s roster spot by signing AJ Lawson to a Two-Way contract. The 24-year-old local kid has had a couple of cups of coffee in the NBA, initially with the Minnesota Timberwolves with a brief stint as a Two-Way contract player back in 2022 and with the Dallas Mavericks as a Two-Way contract player for two seasons (Dallas converted him into a standard contract late last season). Lawson did not make the Mavericks’ opening night roster.

The Long Island Nets acquired Lawson’s NBA G League returning rights from the College Park Skyhawks before the NBA G League season started and has been on a seek-and-destroy mode through 11 games played. Lawson’s averaging an NBA G League career-high 24 points, 6.6 boards, 2.5 dimes, and 1.3 steals for the Nets. Nothing was more impressive than his electric performance against the Raptors 905 in front of his local fans, where he dropped 37 points, seven boards, and three steals, including five trifectas.

Lawson’s addition should give the Raptors additional guard depth on the main club and the farm team. The Raptors are currently dealing with injuries to Immanuel Quickley, Bruce Brown, and Scottie Barnes. The Raptors 905 need more size in the backcourt. Lawson’s a good fit alongside Kennedy Chandler, allowing Charlie Brown Jr. to slide to his natural position. Perhaps, Lawson could help resuscitate the Raptors 905’s season.