The Memphis Grizzlies have shocked the NBA by trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. Though that may not directly impact the Toronto Raptors, it could ultimately play a significant role in their own pursuit of an All-Star center: Domantas Sabonis.
With the Grizzlies receiving far less for Jackson than most anticipated, the Raptors can utilize the Jazz's outgoing package as leverage in negotiations with the Sacramento Kings.
Jackson is a two-time All-Star, three-time All-Defense honoree, and two-time blocks leader. He's also a former Defensive Player of the Year who has emerged as a productive scorer, which makes the fact that he was traded all the more surprising.
It's even more eye-opening that Jackson was effectively traded for three first-round draft picks, unproven up-and-comers, and veteran role players.
BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three future first-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ax6oQpZx0S
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
If that's all the Grizzlies were able to get for Jackson, then it's fair to believe the Raptors could get away with a similar offer for Sabonis.
Jaren Jackson Jr. trade may lower Raptors' cost for Domantas Sabonis
There are clearly arguments to be made for Sabonis being a better player than Jackson. That includes the fact that while Jackson is a two-time All-Star, he's yet to receive an All-NBA nod. Sabonis, meanwhile, has earned All-NBA honors in two of the past three seasons.
The reality is, however, that Jackson is 26 years of age and only just now entering his athletic prime, whereas Sabonis will turn 30 in May.
The counter argument is the fact that NBA players are playing at a star-caliber level deeper into their 30s than ever before. The other bit of context, however, is that Sabonis has been battling injuries throughout the 2025-26 campaign and thus carries some level of concern over what he can offer this season.
With all of this in mind, the Raptors should at least test the waters on gauging how much they can get away with in regard to utilizing the Jackson trade as a frame of reference for their offer for Sabonis.
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It's unclear what exactly the Raptors could get away with offering at this stage, but there's reason to attempt to mirror the Jackson return. Toronto has similar flexibility to Utah in regard to the number of draft picks it can offer, which is at least a starting point.
Compounded by the presence of promising up-and-comers who aren't starters, a la Walter Clayton Jr. in the Jazz's accepted package, there's a path toward a Sabonis trade that doesn't blow the rotation up.
Clearly, the Raptors will need to find a way to match the $42.3 million that Sabonis is owed in 2025-26. If the Jackson trade proved anything, however, it's that creative offers built around draft compensation are more attractive than some might presume.
If the Jackson deal is a sign of things to come, then perhaps the Raptors could join the Jazz in adding an All-Star big for a price no one thought possible.