The Toronto Raptors are one of the NBA’s ascending teams. They’ve formed a strong identity under Head Coach Darko Rajakovic, and are a threat to make noise in the playoffs. The organization believes they’re on the verge of doing something special, which is why they’re aggressively looking to make a move at the trade deadline. A top NBA insider revealed the latest update on their plans over the next few weeks.
Toronto Raptors Linked To Ja Morant
NBA insider Jake Fischer provided his latest update on NBA trade deadline talks, writing in The Stein Line that the Raptors are looking to strengthen their roster to make a run at the top of the East. Fischer said, “Toronto continues to be categorized by rivals as one of the more active teams out there in search of a major addition.”
“The Raptors are the only other known team beyond Washington to express any meaningful interest in Trae Young before he was dealt to the Wizards, have pursued both Dallas’ Anthony Davis and Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis, and I’ve been advised to keep an eye on them when it comes to Memphis’ Ja Morant.”
The Raptors being linked to Young and now Morant is essentially a shot at guard Immanuel Quickley. In his third full season in Toronto, Quickley is averaging 16.5 points and 6.1 assists per game this season, while shooting 42.3% from the field. Quickley has regressed as a perimeter shooter this season and has had several inefficient games. Now that the Raptors are a legitimate playoff team, they are looking to upgrade.
Heading home with the DUB 😤 pic.twitter.com/OUs71nAdO0
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 15, 2026
Morant is undoubtedly an upgrade on paper, but he’s having the worst season of his career. Despite Quickley’s inconsistency, there’s an argument that he’s been a better player than Morant this season.
Morant thrives in an up-tempo system, yet the Raptors are currently ranked 24th in the league in pace, so the fit is questionable. Would Morant be willing to play off the ball at times? The Raptors have a pure scorer in former All-Star wing Brandon Ingram, while franchise player Scottie Barnes can also handle playmaking duties at times.
Morant is currently shooting a career low 40.2% from the field and 21.6% from three, so opposing defenses don’t have to fear him when he does not have the basketball. Then there are the defensive question marks, as the Raptors have become one of the NBA’s best defensive teams, ranking in the top 10 in scoring defense and defensive rating. Would Morant buy into the system?
Morant has two years left on his $197,230,450 max contract, so the Raptors would have time to see if he’s a long-term fit. Acquiring Morant would actually provide some financial relief, as Quickley is just in the second year of his five-year extension, and the Raptors seem to have buyer’s remorse.
Regardless of possible moves, the Raptors clearly have a sense of urgency.
