Toronto Raptors: 2 non-Dallas trade destinations for Goran Dragic
The newly formed relationship between Goran Dragic and the Toronto Raptors started off on rocky terms. After the long-time member of the Heat being sent over to the Raptors in the Miami sign-and-trade for Kyle Lowry this offseason, he expressed his displeasure in his new situation, cranking up the Dragic trade rumours once again.
While he has come out and said the quote was misunderstood, and he won some fans over with his Media Day showing, that doesn’t change the fact that Dragic will likely be traded for both competitive and tax purposes, as the Raptors could look to get younger and less expensive by offloading him
At his current age and stature in the league, it makes sense that “the Dragon” would want to be in a situation to compete for a title, a situation the Raptors are unlikely going to be able to accommodate this season.
A move to the Dallas Mavericks has been the most popular rumour associated with Dragic lately, a trade that would pair him with fellow Slovenian and NBA All-Star, Luka Doncic. This move, however, may not be beneficial for either side, and that could force the Raptors to find suitors elsewhere.
With @tim_cato, working through the Dragic-Raptors-Mavericks situation and trying to figure out what a resolution might be. https://t.co/c9Omsg81JZ
— Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) August 10, 2021
There are several contending teams that still lack depth at point guard, and if they can find the right situation, Dragic could see himself getting big minutes on a title contender. This would then allow the Raptors to continue rebuilding by acquiring younger talent as well as proven vets on more manageable contracts.
These two trades could send him to the Western Conference on teams that have a chance to compete for a championship this season, meaning that if Toronto isn’t intrigued by what the Mavericks dangle in front of their faces, they could trade Dragic away to a different contender in the West.