The Toronto Raptors are reportedly hot on the heels of one of the NBA’s most controversial players. 

With the NBA trade deadline set to hit next month, and the Raptors trying to solidify their playoff position, rumours have been hitting a new gear lately. The latest speculation has connected Toronto to Memphis Grizzlies superstar guard Ja Morant. 

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on Thursday that the Raptors have been connected to a few other big names in Trae Young and Anthony Davis, but remain in the race for Morant as well. 

“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,” Fischer wrote.

“I’ve also been advised to keep an eye on them when it comes to Memphis’ Ja Morant.”

The Toronto Raptors are a team to keep an eye on in the Ja Morant sweepstakes, per @JakeLFischer

“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… pic.twitter.com/7Zxgd2G5C6


— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 15, 2026

 

The 26-year-old Morant is one of the biggest names in the NBA and would fit in with the team’s young core of Scottie Barnes, Gradey Dick, and Brandon Ingram. Adding him would immediately raise the Raptors’ ceiling and could make them a hard out in the postseason. 

Morant is averaging 19 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.6 field goals in 18 games this season. He is currently in year three of a five-year, $197 million contract. 

That isn’t to say that Morant wouldn’t come with some baggage, as he’s also been one of the league’s most controversial players over recent years. The South Carolina native has been suspended on multiple occasions due to flashing a gun on social media, and was fined last season for making gun hand gestures during a game. 

The Raptors won’t be alone in their pursuit of Morant, as the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and Sacramento Kings all have reported interest as well. 

Landing the former Rookie of the Year would be a massive boon for this Raptors club on the court, but it also comes with a host of red flags that could disrupt the locker room. 

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