Toronto Raptors Sign NBA Champion Big Man Trey Jemison III to Two-Way Contract

Many around the Toronto Raptors believed that general manager Bobby Webster wasn’t done making moves this summer after attempting to trade for seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard. While the trade still hasn’t been finalized, optimism has grown that he will be present for training camp in Quebec City next month, suggesting Toronto has full confidence that the deal will go through. 

Initially, it was expected that Webster would wait until the trade was completed to start making other moves, as the difference in having Leonard or not is substantial for building a championship contender. Now, with news that the trade could be stalled all the way until 2027, there is no time to waste. 

While there have been rumors surrounding the Raptors attempting to make a trade for a third All-Star, like Stephen Curry or Jamal Murray, Webster chose to target a more important need for the roster: frontcourt depth. 

As reported by NBA on Prime’s Chris Haynes, the Raptors are using their final two-way contract on former New York Knicks forward/center Trey Jemison III. After going undrafted in 2023 out of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Jemison has played for five teams in the last three years, supplying physicality and aggression in the paint on both ends, exactly what the Raptors have lacked. 

The 6-foot-10, 270-pound big man doesn’t have stats that will pop off the page, but his impact on the floor has been established. Most notably with the Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers, Jemison provides a strong presence that allows him to get to his spots on offense and move opposing big men out of theirs on the other end. He hasn’t had the largest opportunity yet in the NBA, but his per-36 averages suggest he could transition into a pivotal role player when given the chance. Over his 76 total games, his per-36 averages are 9.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game on 55.5% shooting. 

Webster giving Jemison a two-way spot could be extremely beneficial to the team’s ability to further build the roster. With only two roster spots remaining, it’s essential that they go to players who have established the ability to come in and make a real impact right away, and the two-way allows for Jemison to continue to grow with the Raptors 905 G-League affiliate team while getting some minutes with the varsity squad as well. With rumors around franchise legend DeMar DeRozan potentially ending his career back where it all started, the Raptors may be saving the final spot until he makes a decision.