The Toronto Raptors are having their best season since 2022. Ever since they embraced the Scottie Barnes era, there have been a few hiccups, but now the team looks well on its way to making its first playoff appearance in four years.
They also have the ammunition to make additional upgrades. Because the Brandon Ingram trade has worked out to some degree, the Raptors have considered adding another star who is currently on the table.
Which NBA All-Star Is on the Raptors’ Radar?
NBA insider Marc Stein reported on The Stein Line that the Raptors might explore acquiring Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant. That interest stems from Toronto being on the prowl for a big move this season.
“As The People’s Insider Jake Fischer explained above in his most recent piece, Toronto has already registered interest this Trade Season in (Trae) Young… Dallas’ (Anthony) Davis… and Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis,” Stein wrote.
“Toronto’s various discussions involving those players had led to a belief among numerous rival teams that its post-Masai Ujiri front office, now headed by Bobby Webster, is facing some win-now pressure to do something as splashy as last winter’s acquisition of Brandon Ingram. Translation: The Raptors might decide to make a trade play for Memphis’ suddenly available Ja Morant.”
Now that the Josh Allen Latest (televised live in England!) is over …. we proceed to the Sunday Best around-the-league notes and the latest from NBA Trade Season: https://t.co/keHIHwCq0U
📷: @BrooklynNets pic.twitter.com/VVgJ43pwj9
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 11, 2026
This comes shortly after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Jan. 9 that the Grizzlies are exploring trade scenarios involving Morant, who is currently in the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million contract with Memphis.
Morant has had a checkered history since entering the NBA. Not only has he suffered multiple long-term injuries, but he has also faced suspensions for off-court incidents. His production has dipped this season, as he is averaging 19 points, 7.6 assists, and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 40.1% from the field and 20.8% from 3-point range.
That could support the argument that he may be available at a reduced cost, similar to Trae Young. What the Raptors would send to Memphis remains another question. Immanuel Quickley and/or RJ Barrett could cover much of the salary, but Quickley is expensive, and his contract runs through 2029, which may deter many teams from absorbing it, given that, while productive, he is not considered a star.
The Grizzlies may be willing to accept that compromise to move on from Morant, but the Raptors could still be required to part with meaningful assets because of the financial commitment tied to Quickley.
