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Raptors Land Hidden Gem Trey Jemison on Two-Way Deal
Raptors Sign Big Man Trey Jemison to a Two-Way Deal: What You Need to Know
The Big News in Simple Terms
TL;DR: The Toronto Raptors just added a tall, young center named Trey Jemison. He’s signing a special "two-way contract," which means he’ll split time between the Raptors and their G League (minor league) team. He’s 26, stands 6-foot-10, and just won a championship ring with the New York Knicks (even though he didn’t play in the playoffs).
Who Is Trey Jemison?
Think of Trey as a journeyman big man—a player who moves around the league looking for a permanent home. Here’s the quick profile:
- Position: Centre (the tallest player on the floor, usually protects the rim and grabs rebounds)
- Height: 6-foot-10 (that’s really tall—like, "touch the rim without jumping" tall)
- Age: 26 (entering his prime years for a big man)
- Experience: 3 seasons in the NBA, 74 total games played
- Teams so far: Washington Wizards → Memphis Grizzlies → New Orleans Pelicans → Los Angeles Lakers → New York Knicks → Toronto Raptors (new!)
What Is a Two-Way Contract? (ELI5 Explanation)
Imagine a split-season pass:
| NBA Team (Raptors) | G League Team (Raptors 905) |
|---|---|
| Up to 50 games max | Unlimited games |
| NBA salary (pro-rated) | G League salary |
| Travels with big club | Develops skills, gets reps |
Why it matters for Trey: He gets a real NBA paycheck and a chance to prove he belongs every night.
Why it matters for the Raptors: They get a 6’10" body for practices, emergencies, and development—without using a full 15-man roster spot.
Important Callout: Two-way players cannot play in the NBA playoffs unless their contract is converted to a standard deal before the deadline.
By the Numbers: What Has He Done So Far?
Over 74 games across five teams, Trey averages:
- 3.7 points per game
- 3.4 rebounds per game
- 0.6 blocks per game
- Plays roughly 10–12 minutes a night when he’s in the rotation
Translation: He’s not a star scorer. He’s a role player—someone who sets screens, runs the floor, protects the paint, and finishes put-backs.
The Championship Ring Detail
Fun Fact: Trey was on the 2026 New York Knicks championship roster.
He didn’t play a single playoff minute, but he practiced against the starters every day, helped them prepare, and earned a ring.
That means he’s been in a winning culture recently—something the Raptors are trying to rebuild.
Why This Move Makes Sense for Toronto
- Depth at Centre: With Jakob Pöltl as the starter, the Raptors needed a backup big who can actually play NBA minutes.
- Cost Certainty: Two-way deals are cheap (relative to NBA contracts) and don’t count against the salary cap the same way.
- Flexibility: The article notes the Raptors still have roster flexibility through training camp (late Sept / early Oct). They can cut, trade, or convert him if someone better shakes loose.
- Culture Add: A guy who just won a title—even as a practice player—knows what “good” looks like.
What Happens Next? (Numbered Timeline)
- Late September – Training camp opens. Trey suits up, competes for backup centre minutes.
- Early October – Preseason games. Coaches evaluate: Can he defend pick-and-rolls? Finish lobs? Be a good teammate?
- Mid-October – Final roster decisions. Raptors decide: Keep him on two-way? Convert to standard deal? Waive him?
- Season Start – If kept, he’ll shuttle between Toronto and the Raptors 905 (Mississauga) all year.
Summary
- Trey Jemison, a 26-year-old, 6’10" centre, signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors.
- He’s played for five teams in three years, averaging modest numbers but bringing size, rim protection, and championship experience.
- The deal fills the Raptors’ last two-way spot but leaves roster flexibility through training camp.
- Think of him as a low-risk, high-upside lottery ticket—a big body who knows how to win and wants to stick in the NBA.
FAQ
Q: What exactly is the G League?
A: It’s the NBA’s official minor league. Each NBA team has an affiliate (the Raptors’ is the Raptors 905 in Mississauga). Players develop there, get game reps, and can be called up anytime.
Q: Can Trey play in the playoffs for the Raptors?
A: Not on a two-way deal. He’d need to be signed to a standard NBA contract before the playoff eligibility deadline (usually early April).
Q: Why did the Knicks give him a ring if he didn’t play?
A: Practice players, coaches, and staff all get rings. He was part of the daily grind that prepared the team for games—so the organization rewarded him.
Q: Is this a guaranteed contract?
A: Two-way contracts are guaranteed for the G League portion. The NBA portion is guaranteed only for the days he’s actually with the big club (up to 50 games).
Q: Could the Raptors still sign someone else?
A: Yes! The article specifically says they “will still have flexibility to make changes through training camp.” This isn’t the final roster.
