Did Raptors’ Fred VanVleet take a shot at Goran Dragic after trade?

Fred VanVleet and the Toronto Raptors managed to get stronger at the trade deadline by shedding the bloated contract of Goran Dragic. The absent point guard was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in a deal that brought established veteran power forward Thad Young to Toronto.

While the trade didn’t get the Raptors a backup point guard better than Dalano Banton or the 7-foot rim protector this team needs, it did help get another scheme fit while improving a bench that ranks at the bottom of the league in points per game. Young could be an impact postseason performer.

If nothing else, the Raptors were able to get rid of a player who didn’t want to be here in Dragic, all while adding a proven NBA scorer and a draft pick that should be right near the top of the second round. VanVleet is not only happy that Toronto added Young, but that they did so while getting rid of Dragic.

VanVleet called the young trade “a plus one in my book.” VanVleet not only thinks that Young is going to be a solid addition for this young roster, but he also liked the fact that they didn’t give up much to get him “when the other guy is sitting at home.” These seem like shots fired in Dragic’s general vicinity.

Fred VanVleet seems happy that the Raptors traded Goran Dragic.

Dragic is expected to be bought out by the Spurs, freeing him up to sign with a list of contenders that includes names like the Lakers, Nets, Warriors, and Bucks. Even if Dragic doesn’t end up in one of his preferred spots in Miami or Dallas, he’ll get a chance to compete for a championship.

Dragic’s tenure with the Raptors was extremely weird. On one hand, he played in just five games, and Toronto only won one of those contests. After taking his leave of absence and showing up at Heat games while on that leave, the fans quickly lost interest in the Slovenian point guard.

However, OG Anunoby stated that Dragic brought the same veteran leadership that Young is going to add to the mix, showing that he did make an impact on the team despite his very short tenure in Toronto. It seems like VanVleet isn’t as upset that Dragic is gone given his curt response.

Dragic just did not fit Toronto’s timeline, and the front office should be heralded for managing to get a player of Young’s caliber in exchange for him. OG might be said that Dragic is gone, but VanVleet seems less emotionally attached.