The Golden State Warriors have made a move ahead of the trade deadline, sending backup big man Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick originally owned by the Lakers.
For the Warriors, this is a low-key but strategic play. Jackson-Davis had carved out a role in the rotation during his first two seasons, showing flashes of promise with his energy and athleticism around the rim.
But this year, his minutes took a dip. He appeared in 36 games, averaging 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in just over 11 minutes per night.
With Golden State’s frontcourt rotation tightening and the team navigating a crowded Western Conference race, Jackson-Davis became the odd man out.
From a financial standpoint, he’s on a manageable deal-earning $2.2 million this season with a $2.4 million team option for 2026-27-so this wasn't a salary dump. It’s more about asset management and giving Jackson-Davis a chance to find a better fit elsewhere. And for Golden State, picking up a future second-rounder adds a small but useful chip to their war chest.
Toronto, meanwhile, adds some much-needed frontcourt depth without breaking the bank or dipping into the luxury tax. The Raptors had an open roster spot after moving Ochai Agbaji in a previous deal, and they’ve used it wisely here.
Jackson-Davis brings a physical presence inside, and while he’s not a floor-spacer, he can finish around the rim and hold his own defensively in spurts. In a developmental environment like Toronto’s, there’s a chance he finds another gear.
The Raptors had reportedly explored other options at the five spot-names like Yves Missi, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Goga Bitadze were on the radar-but each would’ve required a first-round pick, which Toronto understandably wasn’t willing to part with. Instead, they land a young, controllable big on a team-friendly deal for the cost of a second-rounder. That’s smart business.
This isn’t a blockbuster by any stretch, but it’s the kind of move that makes sense for both sides. Golden State gets a future asset and roster flexibility.
Toronto takes a low-risk swing on a young big with upside. Sometimes, the quiet trades are the ones that pay off down the line.