The Predators complete a string of roster moves by announcing today that they’ve made a big man move Nate Beatle from an Annex 10 deal to a bilateral contract, rejecting the other five invitees to the camp, Tyreek-Key, This is Manny Burnett, Tyson Degenhart, Jamarion Sharpeand Jalen Celestineper Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca (Link to Twitter).
Bittle, a 7-foot center who spent five years at Oregon, started nearly every game during his last four college seasons after coming off the bench for the opening minutes. He averaged 16.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.8 blocks per game in 2025/26 and was named to the All-Big Ten All-Defensive Team in 2024/25.
After signing with the Raptors as an undrafted free agent, Bittle had a strong Summer League showing for the club, averaging 9.8 ppg, 6.8 ppg, 2.8 ppg and 2.2 ppg in four outings (20.6 mpg) along with an outstanding .500/.438/1000 shooting line.
Beatle has been sidelined during the preseason with a foot injury and is likely to be at least a month away from returning to action. tweets Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca. However, it appears the team still wants to keep him on their roster entering the regular season based on what they saw in Las Vegas in July.
The Raptors recently waived two-way players Chuckie Hepburn and Trey Jamisonso they had a pair of two sided holes next to the guard Malachi Smith. That location will be left open for now, according to Murphy. It’s possible Toronto will target another team’s camp invitee who was waived Saturday — one of those players could be lifted off waivers Monday and turned into a two-way deal before the regular season begins.
Key, Burnet, Degenhart, Sharp and Celestin, who were on Appendix 10 contracts of Toronto will likely end up under the club’s G League affiliate, the Raptors 905.
