As the NBA trade deadline approaches next month, the Toronto Raptors have emerged as one of the league’s most active teams in trade discussions, according to longtime NBA insider Marc Stein.
Speaking Friday on Sportsnet 590 The FAN, Stein said Toronto has signaled to rival teams that it is open to making a significant move, even as league executives expect the bulk of trade activity to occur closer to the deadline.
“I think that we’re probably at the point that a bulk of the action will happen closer to the deadline, but we’ve already seen Trae Young traded which to me is pretty dang significant. And that did happen earlier than expected,” Stein said. “I think we also do have to remember that last February was the most insane trade deadline that I’ve ever seen, certainly the wildest in my 30 years doing this. So, if we compare it to that, I think everyone that loves trades is going to be disappointed. But for your audience, I have to imagine there is a lot of interest, enjoyment, engagement, whatever word you want to use because people are talking a lot about the Raptors. The Raptors have really left the impression with a lot of teams that they want to do something significant. They’ve tried or at least explored a pathway in just about everything so far. Now, they haven’t made a trade, but they’re in the middle of everything.”
Stein referenced the recent blockbuster involving Trae Young, who was dealt last week to the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, as an example of major movement occurring earlier than expected.
“People are talking a lot about the Raptors… they left the impression with a lot of teams that they want to do something significant.”@TheSteinLine joins @BlakeMurphyODC and @mattbonner_15 to explore Toronto's trade market as the deadline nears.
📺 https://t.co/SqK7M993Jz pic.twitter.com/LklJF0Bg9U
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) January 16, 2026
Brandon Ingram’s impact fuels Raptors’ surge as trade buzz intensifies
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Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) comes onto the court during player introductions before a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Scotiabank Arena.
Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto’s assertive posture in the trade market comes amid a strong season on the floor. The Raptors enter Friday with a 25–17 record, placing them fourth in the Eastern Conference, and have seen immediate returns from the acquisition of forward Brandon Ingram, who joined the team last February.
Ingram is averaging 21.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range across 40 games. He has logged 33.8 minutes per contest in his first season in Toronto and has fit seamlessly alongside All-Star forward Scottie Barnes, giving the Raptors a reliable scoring foundation and positional flexibility.
While Toronto has yet to complete a deal, Stein noted that the team’s broad engagement across the market has drawn leaguewide attention, positioning the Raptors as a potential catalyst as the deadline nears.
Toronto returns to action Friday night at home against the Los Angeles Clippers (17–23) at 7:30 p.m. ET before beginning a five-game road trip Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers (24–15) at 9:30 p.m. ET, as speculation continues to build around possible roster moves.