The Toronto Raptors didn’t swing for the fences at the trade deadline - and that might’ve been the smartest move they could’ve made. Instead of emptying the asset chest for a big-name like Domantas Sabonis, they opted for a more measured approach, addressing a real need with a low-risk, high-upside move.
Trayce Jackson-Davis on his Raptors debut today:
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) February 8, 2026
“That’s a really good crew in there.”
“You could see during the game they’re hyping me up. Every time I made a play, giving me a lot of confidence.”
“I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to be a part of the team.” ❤️ https://t.co/BVKYNhEDcg pic.twitter.com/KIcw3y4B44
With Jakob Poeltl battling injury issues, Toronto went out and added some much-needed depth in the frontcourt by acquiring Trayce Jackson-Davis from the Golden State Warriors. The price?
A 2026 second-round pick via the Lakers. That’s a bet you make every time if you believe the fit is right - and early signs suggest it just might be.
Jackson-Davis wasted no time making an impression. In his Raptors debut Sunday night, he stepped in and stepped up, helping Toronto cruise to a 122-104 win over the Indiana Pacers.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Collin Murray-Boyles exited early with a thumb injury after just eight minutes, opening the door for Jackson-Davis to log meaningful minutes - and he didn’t disappoint.
The rookie big man delivered a rock-solid double-double: 10 points, 10 rebounds, plus a block and a steal. But it wasn’t just the box score that stood out - it was the energy. Jackson-Davis looked comfortable in the flow of the game, active on both ends, and clearly fed off the confidence his new teammates were giving him.
"At the end of the day, that’s a really, really good crew in there," Jackson-Davis said postgame. "You could see during the game they’re hyping me up.
Every time I made a play, giving me a lot of confidence. I’m happy to be here.
I’m happy to be a part of the team."
That kind of chemistry doesn’t always show up right away, especially for a player joining midseason. But Jackson-Davis looked like he belonged. And with Poeltl still sidelined - and expected to be on a tight minutes restriction when he does return - the Raptors are going to need Jackson-Davis to keep bringing that same energy and production.
This isn’t just about plugging a hole. It’s about building something sustainable.
The Raptors are sitting at 32-22, good for fifth in the Eastern Conference, and they’ve got their eyes on more than just making the playoffs - they’re looking to make noise once they get there. Depth matters in that kind of run, and Jackson-Davis might’ve just given them a boost where they needed it most.
Next up, the Raptors return home to face the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. With Jackson-Davis already making his case for consistent minutes, that matchup could be another opportunity for the young big to solidify his role in Toronto’s rotation.