The Raptors just wrapped up a week that was anything but quiet - not because of what happened on the court, but because of what went down off it.
Toronto posted a solid 2-1 record from February 1 to 5, which, in most weeks, would be the headline. But with the NBA trade deadline looming large, the bigger story was what the front office did - or, more accurately, didn’t do - as the clock ticked down.
Raptors Play It Cool at the Deadline
Let’s start with the trade deadline. This year, Toronto didn’t swing for the fences.
There was no blockbuster like Jakob Poeltl’s return in 2023 or the big-name buzz of a Brandon Ingram-type deal. Instead, the Raptors went with a measured approach, making two low-key but potentially useful moves.
The first was more about clearing the books - parting ways with Ochai Agbaji in what amounted to a salary dump. The second brought in Trayce Jackson-Davis, a young big whose minutes had all but dried up in Golden State. While these aren’t the kind of moves that light up group chats or dominate sports talk radio, they do address a need - particularly in the frontcourt, where the Raptors have been thin behind Poeltl.
And that’s the key here. Toronto didn’t mortgage the future.
They held onto their core pieces and their draft capital. That kind of patience might not be flashy, but it’s smart - especially for a team still figuring out exactly what it has in this young core.
The time will come for a bigger swing, but this deadline wasn’t it, and that’s okay.
The Fourth-Quarter Problem Persists
Now, about those games. The Raptors came out of the week with two wins, but the loss to Minnesota left a sour taste - and not just because of the final score.
Toronto led by as many as 18 points in the second half before Anthony Edwards decided to take over. The Timberwolves stormed back, and the Raptors couldn’t stop the bleeding. That’s now three games out of the last four where Toronto has coughed up a double-digit second-half lead.
That’s not just a fluke - it’s a trend. And the numbers back it up.
The Raptors are tied for last in the NBA in fourth-quarter scoring, which is a red flag for a team trying to build winning habits. Whether it’s fatigue, inexperience, or execution, something’s breaking down late in games.
That’s the kind of thing that can derail development if it doesn’t get addressed.
Spotlight on Trayce Jackson-Davis
Normally, backup centers don’t get much attention - but when you’re the only player added at the trade deadline, the spotlight finds you. That’s where Trayce Jackson-Davis finds himself now.
The rookie didn’t get much of a chance to shine in Golden State, but he brings some intriguing tools to a Raptors team that ranks 21st in rebounding and could use a little more muscle in the paint. He’s not expected to be a game-changer, but if he can give the Raptors 12-15 solid minutes a night - grab boards, defend without fouling, finish around the rim - he’ll be doing exactly what’s needed.
It’s a low-risk move with upside. And while Jackson-Davis won’t be the reason Toronto wins or loses most nights, his performance could quietly tip the scales in a few close games. In a season that’s all about growth and evaluation, that matters.
Two Games to Go, Then Reset
The Raptors have just two games left before the All-Star break - both at home, against the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons. Two very different teams in terms of where they sit in the standings, but both present opportunities.
The break itself will be the last real pause before the final stretch. After that, it’s full steam ahead into a stretch run that should start to reveal some truths about this roster - about Scottie Barnes’ continued evolution, RJ Barrett’s fit, and how this young group handles adversity.
For now, the Raptors are staying patient, staying flexible, and giving themselves the chance to grow without rushing the process. It might not make headlines, but it might just be the right move.