The Toronto Raptors' point guard position is under the microscope as the NBA's February 5 trade deadline approaches. A combination of inconsistent performances from starter Immanuel Quickley and a rash of injuries has sparked debate about whether the team needs to make a significant upgrade, with Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant emerging as a tantalizing, if controversial, potential target.
Quickley's Struggles and Shead's Emergence
Immanuel Quickley, the player the Raptors invested in with a major contract extension, has shown himself to be a flawed floor general. While explosive in transition and capable of attacking the rim, his game has significant shortcomings. In half-court sets, his inconsistent jumper is a liability, a trait shared by many teammates except for Brandon Ingram. More concerning is his tendency to prioritize his own shot over creating for others, often heaving attempts early in the shot clock. Defensively, he is not a strength for the team.
Injuries have forced the Raptors' hand, depleting the roster to just 10 available players for a recent game against the Indiana Pacers on January 15, 2026. This crisis led to a two-point-guard starting lineup featuring Quickley alongside rookie Jamal Shead. At times, Shead has outperformed Quickley, bringing a ball-hawking defensive intensity that disrupts opponents. However, it is too soon to hand the offensive reins to the second-year pro, as he also battles an unreliable outside shot.
A Victory Marred by Concerns
The Raptors managed a 115-101 victory over the Pacers, but the win revealed underlying issues. After building a commanding 39-18 lead in the first quarter, Toronto proceeded to lose every subsequent quarter. The team also lost another body when Jamison Battle, thrust into the starting lineup, sprained his ankle after 20 minutes of play.
The victory was secured by the team's cornerstones. Scottie Barnes played the role of playmaker to perfection, setting a season-high with 13 assists in one of his finest performances. Brandon Ingram provided crucial late-game shooting, draining two consecutive three-pointers to help seal the game after a Shead triple stemmed the Pacers' comeback attempt.
It has become clear that Toronto's success is directly tied to the high-level play of Ingram combined with Barnes' dominance. While RJ Barrett has looked like a solid third option, the team's ceiling is defined by its two stars.
The Looming Trade Deadline and the Morant Question
Given the financial commitment to Quickley, a move away from him before the deadline would be surprising. Many around the league believed the Raptors were too quick to extend him, raising doubts about his trade market. However, the need for more consistent and dynamic point-of-attack play is evident.
This brings the conversation to Ja Morant. The Memphis Grizzlies' electrifying guard is reportedly on the trade block, seeking a change of scenery. While his off-court history and suspect shooting are concerns, few players in the league attack the rim and pressure defenses like Morant. Selected one spot ahead of RJ Barrett in the 2019 NBA Draft, his talent is undeniable.
Some industry voices have linked Morant to the Raptors, though the legitimacy of these talks is unconfirmed. Toronto has a history of acquiring distressed assets, most famously Kawhi Leonard, whose Los Angeles Clippers—featuring score-first point guard James Harden—visit Toronto soon on a hot streak.
The fundamental question remains: Should the Raptors make a bold move to upgrade at point guard, or stand pat and hope for internal improvement from Quickley and Shead? With a postseason appearance likely barring a collapse, point guard play becomes even more critical. The decision the front office makes—or doesn't make—by February 5 could define the trajectory of this Raptors season and their future around Scottie Barnes.
