TL;DR
- Toronto Raptors may need one more star to become contenders.
- Bleacher Report suggests trading for Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.
- The proposed trade involves Quickley, Dick, and future draft picks.
- Morant's past issues are a risk, but his potential upside is significant.
The Toronto Raptors have a lot of talent.
But do they have enough?
This query has been posed not only this year but also throughout recent seasons. It appears the Raptors consistently acquire capable players but have yet to successfully integrate them into a cohesive unit.
There is one way to change that. They could take a swing on a deal for a mercurial star.
MORE: LeBron passes Michael in a stat that means nothing in the GOAT debate
Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley wrote this week that he thinks it's worth a shot. He suggests they trade for Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant.
The Raptors' return for this deal would include Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick, a 2026 second-round selection (from LAL), and a 2028 first-round pick (with top-three protection).
It would be a gamble, given Morant's past off-court issues and his current apparent lack of full effort for The Grizzlies as a way to show his unhappiness.
But if the Raptors got the best version of Morant, it could be worth it.
"The Raptors have exceeded expectations so far, but they might still be one star short of cracking the contender ranks," Buckley writes. "While Morant hasn't worn that label in a while, he's still just 26 years old and coming off a four-season stretch in which he averaged 25.7 points on 47.2 percent shooting and 7.4 assists. If the Raptors could help bring out his best—their coach, Darko Rajaković, was an assistant in Memphis during Morant's best seasons—they could add a legitimate difference-maker for relatively cheap."
MORE: Shedeur Sanders given Barack Obama-level praise by NBA champion
The link between Morant and Rajakovic might prove vital. This connection would probably guide the Raptors in deciding if they should even consider such a transaction.
But if Rajakovic signs off on it, then Toronto should take this swing. Stars win in the NBA, and the Raptors might need one more star.
More news:
- Dwyane Wade has a weird take on LeBron vs. MJ debate
- Olympic sensation Quincy Wilson commits to a Big Ten school
- Tom Brady's son Jack is incredibly tall
- Caitlin Clark might be the reason Steph Curry left Under Armour
- Shedeur Sanders makes Browns history as he begins to write a story all his own
- Travis Kelce showed off his style with a $526,000 watch