TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors signed undrafted Oregon center Nate Bittle to an Exhibit 10 contract on July 10, 2026. The move is a low-cost bet on a 7-foot talent.
Bittle, 23, brings rim protection and floor-spacing potential. The deal is a one-year, non-guaranteed minimum salary. Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy confirmed the Exhibit 10 structure.
Who Is Nate Bittle?
Bittle spent four seasons at Oregon. In the 2025-26 season, he averaged 2.1 blocks per game and shot 36% from three-point range. His mobility improved significantly.
He is one of three former Ducks set for NBA Summer League action in Las Vegas, per 247Sports. The Raptors’ scouting network targeted him due to his modern center profile.
Exhibit 10 Breakdown
The Exhibit 10 contract allows Toronto to evaluate Bittle in training camp. If he impresses, the Raptors can convert it to a two-way deal with Raptors 905. If not, there is no cap penalty.
This is standard for undrafted players. The Raptors signed Bittle on a low-risk, high-reward basis.
Raptors’ Center Depth
Toronto’s current center depth chart includes Jakob Poeltl and Kelly Olynyk. Both are veteran options. The team lacks young, athletic bigs.
Raptors 905 has a track record of developing undrafted players. Fred VanVleet and Chris Boucher started there. Bittle’s path mirrors theirs.
The official “RAPTORS SIGN BITTLE” announcement underscores the team’s commitment to structured development.
Summer League Audition
Bittle will debut in the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He will face undrafted and drafted bigs.
Key skills to watch: pick-and-roll defense, catch-and-shoot threes, and transition finishing. His college tape shows versatility.
Steal Potential
Early scouting reports from Sportsnet highlight Bittle’s upside. Raptors fans want a stretch-five who can protect the rim. Bittle’s college numbers suggest he can fill that niche.
Beat writers have noted social media buzz. The narrative is building.
Timeline
The critical milestones are clear:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Summer League | July 2026 |
| Training Camp | September 2026 |
| Two-Way Decision Deadline | Post-Camp |
Bittle earns a bonus if he stays with Raptors 905 for at least 60 days. The financial incentives align for both sides.
Conclusion
Nate Bittle’s Exhibit 10 deal is a calculated bet. He is a 7-foot talent who refined his game at Oregon. If he translates his college versatility to the NBA pace, the Raptors may have a steal.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is an Exhibit 10 contract?
- A: An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, non-guaranteed minimum deal that allows teams to evaluate a player in training camp and potentially convert it to a two-way contract without cap penalty.
- Q: Why did the Raptors sign Nate Bittle?
- A: The Raptors signed Nate Bittle as a low-cost bet on his 7-foot frame, rim protection, and improving three-point shooting (36% in his senior season at Oregon). He fits their need for young, athletic bigs.
- Q: What is Nate Bittle’s path to the NBA?
- A: Bittle will audition in the 2026 NBA Summer League. If he impresses, the Raptors can convert his Exhibit 10 to a two-way deal with Raptors 905, following a development path similar to Fred VanVleet and Chris Boucher.
Extended Reading
For further analysis, refer to Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy reporting and the 247Sports article on former Ducks in Las Vegas.