Nick Nurse confirms that Goran Dragic isn’t in Raptors plans

The Toronto Raptors are struggling to find depth at essentially every position, as the omicron variant has helped COVID-19 spread throughout the locker room. Even with such an unprecedented shortage, guard Goran Dragic remains inactive and away from the team.

Acquired from the Miami Heat in the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade, Dragic has not been shy about voicing his displeasure with playing in Toronto and yearning to be on a contender. After he was benched just a few games into the season in favor of younger players, Dragic’s impending departure became clearer.

Dragic has been away from the team in Slovenia due to what has been termed a personal matter. Despite the fact that players like Tremont Waters are being forced to eat up minutes due to Toronto’s lack of depth, Dragic is not coming back to North America any time soon.

According to Aaron Rose of Sports Illustrated, Nurse said that he doesn’t believe a Dragic return is “part of the plan even though we’re down numbers.” Based on some explosive comments like that, it’s wise to assume that we’ve already seen the last of Dragic in a Raptors uniform.

The Toronto Raptors won’t get Goran Dragic back any time soon.

Dragic has averaged 8.0 points and 1.8 assists per game in his brief action with Toronto this season. Due to his poor defense and inconsistent offense, Nurse decided to roll with the young guys by promoting Dalano Banton to the backup point guard role, albeit with some mixed results on offense.

In a perfect world, Toronto would trade Dragic to a team enticed by his history as a quality veteran leader and bench scorer. Unfortunately, given his $19 million salary this season, it might be hard to find any teams willing to give away a collection of premium assets to acquire him.

The more likely option involves a buyout. While Toronto won’t be able to get any assets back for the player they acquired in exchange for Kyle Lowry, they may not have much of a choice in that regard. It gets Dragic off the team, keeps them under the luxury tax, and frees up a roster spot.

The next time Raptors fans will hear Dragic’s name may involve either a buyout or a trade, as it doesn’t seem like he’s willing to come back to Toronto despite playing a bunch of 10-day contracts in their rotation.

I’d say now is a good time to return that Goran Dragic jersey your confused grandmother got you this Christmas.