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.

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.

These 2 Toronto Raptors trades could send Goran Dragic to the West.

Utah Jazz: The Slovenian Heads to Salt Lake

Coming off a league-best record of 52-20, the Jazz fell to the Clippers in six games last postseason. In that series, the Jazz had glaring issues at the guard position, with All-Star Mike Conley missing time due to injury which highlighted the lack of depth at point guard on the Jazz roster.

By making this move the Jazz would get a terrific backup point guard that would fit seamlessly into head coach Quin Snyder’s attack. Dragic excels at shooting the 3-ball, distributes well to primary scoring options, all while still playing solid defence.

This current Jazz team is built to make another deep run in the playoffs this season and Dragic could become a major player in their potential championship run this season.

Along with Dragic, the Jazz would acquire another shooter in Mykhailiuk, assuming that this trade happens on December 15 or later given the moratorium on trading free agents. Considering the shooter they’re losing in this deal, Mykhailiuk helps them replace some of his production.

The Toronto Raptors could get picks from the Jazz for Goran Dragic.

In the move to obtain Dragic, the Jazz would send Australian sharpshooter Joe Ingles to Toronto, as well versatile wing, Miye Oni. The Sixth Man of the Year candidate may only have one year left on his deal, but if the Raptors are intent on dealing Dragic, Ingles would become the best shooter on the team by far as they push towards the postseason.

Ingles is going to be 34 in a few days, so Utah isn’t trading youth for age here.

Able to stretch the floor while still playing smart defensively, Ingles would transition smoothly into Nick Nurse’s system. Oni has seen limited playing time, but his nearly 6-10 wingspan is tremendous for a 6-5 guard, and that is exactly the type of player Ujiri wants to add. He could be a nice roll of the dice.

The Raptors would make this deal, and really any Dragic deal, for the picks. While the Jazz have cornered themselves in a Stepien-rule box to a degree, this deal gives them control of Utah’s draft for the next few years.

Let’s say Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell fail in the postseason again. Will the Jazz blow it up and retool? If that happens, and if Toronto’s retooling makes them a contender again, they could be in line for some premium picks.

Denver Nuggets: Toronto adds multiple picks and guards

The Nuggets had a strong season last year, but after an ACL injury to star Jamal Murray, Denver lacked depth in the playoffs and was promptly swept in the second round by the Phoenix Suns.

With Murray still set to miss some time to start the 2021-22 season and potentially take some time to get back to full speed, the Nuggets could use the assistance of a proven guard who can score the rock, as well as supply a boost on the defensive end. Enter Dragic.

By adding Dragic to the Nuggets roster they will now have a rock-solid point guard to lead their bench unit. Upon his return, Dragic would fit great on the Nuggets second unit, and would be a reliable player when his number was called down the stretch of a close game.

Murray is also capable of playing at the two-guard spot and handing primary ball-handling duties to Dragic. On top of this, Denver could add an athletic wing with great size in Yuta Watanabe, able to provide intense defence and spot-up shooting off the bench.

The Raptors could take advantage of Denver’s depth and picks.

In return for sending Dragic to Denver, the Raptors would boost their depth at the shooting guard position, acquiring Will Barton and Austin Rivers. Barton, who can’t be traded until November 9, would fit well as a back-up for newly signed Gary Trent Jr. this year.

Able to score in a plethora of ways and keep the Raptors in games when the starting unit is off the court, Barton, who will turn 31 in January, would be under contract for the next two seasons. He’d be a legit Sixth Man of the Year contender in Toronto.

Rivers would also serve as a valuable asset, able to provide quality defence as well as playmaking ability from either guard position.

The Raptors would also add the rights to swap first-round picks in 2022 and 2024 with the Nuggets, giving them a fail-safe in this deal to potentially move up in the draft to find yet another diamond in the rough. A second-round pick is the cherry on top.

With Murray, MVP Nikola Jokic, and breakout star Michael Porter Jr. all locked up long-term, Denver has enough bench talent behind them in Monte Morris, JaMychal Green, and youngsters Zeke Nnaji and Nah’Shon Hyland. What they need is experience, and multiple pick swaps is a fair price for Dragic as a boost going into the 2022 playoffs.

These trades will ultimately be affected by a number of external factors, most importantly being the stock of Dragic this season. He will need to showcase his skill set and value to the league after having a down-year with the Heat in 2020-21.

If Dragic can prove his worth and keep the Raptors competitive in his tenure, either of these trades could easily become reality.