The Toronto Raptors appear to be closer than ever to trading away Goran Dragic, as they will likely look to use the Slovenian veteran in order to improve their bench. One team that could be a potential buyer is the Los Angeles Clippers, who are struggling for offensive consistency without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer is reporting that numerous sources believe Dragic could be a target for Ty Lue on the trade market. With Doug Smith reporting that Dragic is generating interest in the rumor mill, the Clippers could help Toronto fortify their bench by taking Dragic on.
O’Connor mentioned three veterans as potential trade chips that the Clippers, bereft of draft capital due to the George trade, could use to entice Toronto into a Dragic deal. The Raptors need someone off the bench that can provide consistency, and LA’s stable of experienced greybeards could satisfy that desire.
How much interest could the Raptors have in one of the Clippers’ veterans? Will they get adequate value back for Dragic if they send him to the Clippers? Will the bench even take that leap forward if they swap out Dragic for one of these competitors?
Should the Toronto Raptors pass or pursue these 3 Los Angeles Clippers?
3. PG Eric Bledsoe
Bledsoe might be the most likely player to get moved, as his $18 million salary matches up well with Dragic’s $19.4 million. Bledsoe is averaging 9.9 points per game this year on 42% shooting to go along with 4.1 assists per contest. That production would instantly make him the best player on Toronto’s bench.
Bledsoe is having one of the worst offensive seasons he’s had in his career, and he is a free agent at the end of this season, but there aren’t many short-term guard injections that are better than him. With experience at both guard spots and history as an All-Defensive player, Bledsoe could work in Nick Nurse’s scheme.
Eric Bledsoe could give the Toronto Raptors a backup point guard.
Bledsoe would be under contract for next season, though Toronto could understandably be a bit apprehensive about committing that much money to a backup point guard. Still, if it means acquiring a veteran sixth man, Bledsoe could be worth that risk given his pedigree.
If Dragic decides to play for the Clippers, that could get a slightly more experienced backup for Reggie Jackson. If they buy him out, they could enjoy the spoils of a pick that Toronto likely flips their way. Bledsoe would bring stability and scoring skills to a bench in need of both.
Verdict: Pursue