Raptors rumors: Goran Dragic-Danilo Gallinari trade discussed

The Toronto Raptors are trying to make a move in order to beef up the bench at the trade deadline, and trading away veteran point guard Goran Dragic might be the best way to make that happen. Could they potentially coax the Atlanta Hawks into parting ways with Danilo Gallinari?

Dragic has played in just five games this season before leaving the team for personal reasons. However, reports from around the team suggest that he is still generating a good deal of trade interest around the league thanks to his history as a playmaker with the Heat.

Atlanta is on the fringe of the play-in, and they could look to add a secondary ball-handler to solidify themselves as a team that is not to be trifled with. Travis Schlenk appears to have identified Dragic as the man for the job, though he might need to part with Gallinari to make this happen.

Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer confirmed that the framework of a deal that would send Gallinari to Toronto and Dragic to Atlanta has been discussed. This confirms earlier reports of Toronto’s interest in the Italian veteran.

If this becomes reality, Gallinari would instantly become the best player on the Raptors bench as they push towards the postseason.

Toronto Raptors rumors: Will Goran Dragic get traded for Danilo Gallinari?

Gallinari, who Masai Ujiri has acquired in the past during his time in Denver, is averaging 10.3 points per game while making 38.7% of his 3-point attempts. Given his salary, Toronto might not need to include many extra players in a deal based around Dragic and some draft compensation.

If Dragic wants to play for Atlanta, this trade could work for both sides. The Hawks would get an experienced secondary ball-handler behind Trae Young, and the Raptors would get an established shooter with postseason experience that could be an impact player off of the bench.

Obviously, Dragic’s mood will impact the possibility of this trade going down, as he is apparently insisting that he play for a championship contender. If Toronto is apparently not satisfactory, why would Atlanta, who is just one game away from the No. 11 seed, be a better option for him?

The Raptors will need to find a destination that both appeals to Dragic and helps Toronto get some contributors on their second unit. After showing up at Heat games while employed by the Raptors, a fresh start is best for all parties involved. Dragic’s Toronto tenure will not be looked back on fondly.