The Toronto Raptors have a chance to legitimize their leap with a trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline. It's a potentially significant move for a franchise that could anchor its defense and diversify its offense in one fell swoop.
As a player whose offensive and defensive strengths perfectly align with the Raptors' style of play and even their weaknesses, Jackson would be the ultimate upgrade at center.
The Raptors are off to a strong start to the 2025-26 season at 24-17, with only 5.5 games separating them from the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. If they hope to make the second half of the season as rewarding as the first, however, then trading for the Memphis Grizzlies star would be a wise decision.
According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo! Sports, NBA executives have begun to speculate that Jackson could be on his way out of Memphis despite reports that he could be viewed as a Grizzlies centerpiece.
"In speaking with rival executives, there’s a growing thought that Jackson — while a stark contrast to Morant and despite Memphis’ insistence on him being a key part of its future — could be the next domino to fall at some point assuming a Morant trade is realized."
In the event that Jackson is truly available for trade negotiations, the Raptors would be wise to explore the possibility of acquiring him ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.
Jaren Jackson Jr. would be a perfect fit for Raptors' unorthodox lineup
Jackson has his flaws, including underwhelming proficiency as a rebounder and a questionable history as a scorer in the playoffs. He also has a gigantic extension waiting to kick in during the 2026-27 season that will see him make a starting salary of $49 million.
For a Raptors team that has embraced the unorthodox, however, Jackson is the perfect addition to tie the loose strands together on both ends of the floor.
Jackson is a 26-year-old former Defensive Player of the Year who has earned All-Defense recognition in three of the past four seasons. He's a top-tier interior anchor who ranks in the 99th percentile in rim protection and the 81st percentile in post defense, per Basketball Index.
Jackson also thrives at blowing up the pick and roll, ranking in the 92nd percentile in screener mobile defense and possessing the length and athleticism to switch with ease.
With Jackson in the fold, the Raptors could build a legitimately elite and frankly unique defensive interior with he and Scottie Barnes. Toronto would have unrivaled versatility in the frontcourt on defense, with Brandon Ingram making three players who can guard multiple positions.
Offensively, Jackson is exactly what the Raptors need as a floor-spacing big who has averaged 20.2 points and 1.8 three-point field goals made on .477/.352/.789 shooting over the past four seasons.
With improved spacing and the ability to utilize Jackson in a wide array of sets, the Raptors' offense would flow significantly more smoothly. To gain that ability while strengthening the defense would not only be a win, but a transformative effort.
Jackson's contract may be intimidating, but with multiple key players already paid long term, the Raptors should do what they can to get this deal over the finishing line.