Latest Goran Dragic update good news for Raptors’ trade chances

The Toronto Raptors have a $19.4 million anchor hanging off the side of their payroll sheet, as Goran Dragic has done just about everything possible to alienate people during his Toronto tenure. From the higher ambitions quote to showing up at a Heat game while on leave from the team, Dragic needs to get moved as soon as possible.

Figuring out Dragic’s trade value is a very puzzling endeavor. On one hand, he’s an experienced scorer with a history of playing well in the postseason. On the other, he is 35, has barely played this season, and has a huge salary that could make it tough to acquire him.

Just when it looked like Toronto was out of options and was coming to terms with the idea of buying him out, the latest buzz suggests that Dragic could indeed be traded. Considering how barren the bench has been, the Raptors may finally end up getting some reinforcements.

According to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star (subscription required), the chances of a Dragic trade are actually looking more likely by the day. Toronto is finding interest in a Dragic deal, which could help them finally get some trusted bench assets to add to the rotation.

The Toronto Raptors might trade Goran Dragic.

After a 1-3 start, Dragic was benched in favor of Dalano Banton, who helped the Raptors go on a long winning streak after that. Even though Banton regressed and Toronto needed help from their guards off of the bench, Dragic has decided to remain away from the team.

The Dallas Mavericks have long been mentioned as a potential landing spot for him considering his connection with countryman Luka Doncic. If that door remains closed, a team like the Grizzlies could bring him to Memphis in order to get some more depth behind Ja Morant.

https://twitter.com/theScore/status/1487850836818632709

The Raptors might need to attach draft capital to Dragic to make sure that a team would be willing to accept such a huge weight on their salary cap. Still, it seems like this might come to fruition based on the latest reports. Will anyone be sad to see Dragic go after the stuff he’s pulled?

Dragic has barely played for the team and shown more interest in Miami than his employer in Toronto. All could be forgiven if he gets the Raptors a haul in a trade, but he hasn’t exactly had the most productive stint in Toronto so far.