Hang tight, folks — we're officially one week out from the 2026 NBA trade deadline.
There's already been quite a bit of buzz surrounding the Toronto Raptors. Talks range from moderate targets that can help keep Toronto safe on money, while adding depth, to more high-profile stars (or 'big fish,' if you will) who could quickly elevate the Raptors' competitive edge — if everything works out in their favor.
Now, whether the Raptors actually lean in one direction — or maybe even both if they’re feeling ambitious — remains a burning question. After all, that's what the frenzy of the actual trade deadline day is for. Reports have hinted at Toronto’s interest in both outcomes, depending on how they see their core’s current ability to compete. Ultimately, it’ll come down to what the higher ups, especially Bobby Webster, determines is best for business.
But arguably, even more important than making the right basketball business decision is whether that decision and the resulting player(s) align with the franchise's vision, culture, and team chemistry.
Raptors veteran and respected locker room presence Garrett Temple shared his thoughts on this topic during a recent appearance on Sportsnet’s The Raptors Show, with hosts Blake Murphy and Matt Bonner.
Here is what the 39-year-old journeyman said (full audio link here):
Garrett Temple emphasizes that personality is key in any potential Raptors trade
"Them kicking the tires on BI [Brandon Ingram] last year, I had a couple conversations about what type of player he was, what type of personality he was. I think, more than ever now ... people are understanding how close this team is, as a unit. So a personality, in my opinion, is very important. Whoever, if a trade happens, I think the personality coming into this team, needs to fit, and needs to be a personality that everybody can, like, enjoy. Because again, the product on the floor, we're winning games. You don't want to mess up the chemistry. "Garrett Temple, Jan 26, 2026
I mean, it doesn’t get more spot-on than Garrett Temple’s take. The 15-season veteran later points out that he understands a general manager’s rationale for upgrading the team — not just for now, but for the future. As a fan of the game himself, he admits that trades can definitely get him quite excited too.
But what sets Temple apart is his awareness of how a personality clash with an incoming player could make-or-break what Toronto already has going for them. He should know better than anyone, having spent time with 12 different NBA franchises throughout his career and built quite a reputation for himself over the three seasons he's been with the Raptors organization.
Ultimately, we'll have to see if Toronto's higher-ups decide to stay the course and keep their core relatively intact or if they jump the gun on one of these 'big fish' in the sea — like Giannis Antetokounmpo, perhaps?