Raptors Proposed to Land Jamal Murray in 3-Team Deal Amid Kawhi Trade Doubt

There is now a legitimate argument over which of the two conferences is the best, something that was inarguable maybe as recently as just last year. For the Toronto Raptors to keep pace in a revamped East, they’ll need to take the steps to add some more talent.

In late June, the Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers made a seismic move that sent Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto, the franchise he  helped guide to its first-ever NBA title seven years ago. But the Leonard trade has yet to finalize as the NBA continues to investigate allegations of cap circumvention involving Leonard. 

If Leonard gets sent back to L.A., the Raptors have to have a plan B up their sleeve. 

Raptors Should Consider Jamal Murray as a Fallback Option

GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 20: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets brings the ball dow the court against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter during Game Two of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Toronto showed its potential last spring. The team took eventual conference finalist Cleveland Cavaliers to seven hard fought games. The series showed the Raptors might have been a superstar away from advancing to the next round. Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray, who is from Canada, is a player the Raptors should keep on their radar if the Leonard trade fizzles.

In a hypothetical scenario, the Raptors dial up the Nuggets and Detroit Pistons to execute a deal revolving around Murray, one of the league’s best playoff performers. 

Raptors receive: Jamal Murray

Nuggets receive: Immanuel Quickley, Duncan Robinson, two first round picks (one via DET) and two second round picks

Pistons: RJ Barrett and Tyus Jones

It is important to reiterate that this trade is purely hypothetical and intended as a fun suggestion. So why might all three teams agree to do this trade?

Why Toronto, Denver and Detroit Do the Trade

For Denver, it may be time to make tough decisions. The team is facing immense financial burden as it navigates Peyton Watson’s restricted free agency. Even if Watson, a 23-year-old rising star, heads elsewhere, the Nuggets won’t escape trouble. That’s unless they make a trade for one of their big-contracted stars. Murray, along with forward Aaron Gordon, immediately stand out as trade chips. 

In this trade, the Nuggets are relieved of Murray’s massive contract and gain the financial power to re-sign Watson, all while picking up multiple draft picks and two proven starters. 

Meanwhile, Toronto gets the backcourt start they have lacked for several years. Pairing Murray with Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes and multiple quickly ascending stars, like Collin Murray-Boyles and Jamal Shead, would make the Raptors a ton more capable in the East.

For Detroit, adding RJ Barrett would be an incredible win after losing Tobias Harris, the team’s second-leading scorer in the playoffs last season.

Does Murray Help Align Toronto With Sixers, Knicks?

GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 27: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets warms up before Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena on April 27, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

This is not the same East. The Philadelphia 76ers are sudden juggernauts after adding Jaylen Brown and LeBron James this summer. The New York Knicks are the champions until proven otherwise. The Miami Heat landed Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Indiana Pacers, who were in the Finals two seasons ago, are poised to come back healthy and better than ever.

For Toronto, adding Murray, who is in his prime, feels like that move that gets a promising team over the hump. Murray, an All-Star last season, averaged a career-high 25.4 points per game last season and converted over 43 percent of his 3-pointers.

Would a Toronto team featuring Murray, Ingram, Barnes and a cavalcade of rising stars make noise in the East? 

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