Toronto Raptors: 3 underrated 2021-22 games that could be dramatic

2. Mavericks vs. Raptors  October 23.

The grudge factor of this game requires a potential transaction surrounding one player. If it happens, Scotiabank Arena in Toronto come out in full force Goran Dragic. It’s public record, even after an apology, that the former Heat guard has “higher ambitions” than Toronto after he was included in a sign-and-trade for Kyle Lowry.

The Mavericks could use a point guard to team with Luka Doncic for ball-handling duties. While the Raptors bench could use Dragic’s scoring (13.4 points per game in 2021) Dallas seems a plausible destination if he wants out of Toronto.

While Goran is nowhere near the same type of player, Vince Carter, a legend in the city of Toronto, faced this treatment when he left the Raptors on bad terms. Anyone who thinks Dragic can escape the Raptors fanbase’s wrath with anything except pulling on the jersey and playing his heart out for the city of Toronto may be in for a surprise.

Will the Raptors trade Goran Dragic to the Mavericks?

It is unlikely Raptors’ management would be financially wasteful and buy Dragic out, but there is a chance that a deal gets done. Moses Brown and a player like Dwight Powell could be moved if both teams take John Hollinger’s advice and wait until October 1 has passed.

If a deal between the Mavericks and Raptors involves Dragic going the other way, this game could get interesting because of the crowd reaction to Dragic in a Mavs’ jersey, not to forget that energy could spark the Raptors’ competition level on the court.

If Dragic doesn’t get traded, at the very least the Raptors will be able to take on an up-and-comer in the West and one of the best players in the game in Doncic. When Luka is starting to cook, that is always appointment TV.