The Toronto Raptors made a very risky maneuver when they gave up a first-round pick for a 33-year-old player having his worst season in Thad Young. It took all of a few weeks for the Raptors to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they got one over on the San Antonio Spurs.
Young averaged 6.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. While that doesn’t sound like eye-popping production, the value he brought to the team as a connector and glue guy on the bench was one of the main reasons that Toronto was able to stay hot amid a host of injuries.
Young has accomplished a ton in his career, but a ring has escaped him. He will prioritize getting that elusive first ring when picking his next destination. If Toronto’s pitch to Young that features him as the greybeard switchblade off of the bench doesn’t win him over, he’s as good as gone.
The Raptors not only need to worry about Chris Boucher leaving them at the altar, but they need to be aware of Young potentially deciding to join a ready-made winner. These three teams might give Toronto the most friction and competition when it comes time to fight for Young’s services.
3 teams who could steal Thad Young from the Toronto Raptors
3. Dallas Mavericks
Dallas needs to get Luka Doncic some more support before they reload and attempt another run at the title next year. While Jalen Brunson is a fantastic talent, letting him leave in free agency and paying two other players with the savings might be a prudent option.
Young could be an immediate upgrade over most of Dallas’ poor collection of supporting players outside of Doncic. The frontcourt is the biggest issue right now on that roster, as names like Dwight Powell shouldn’t be preferred offensive options for a contender.
The Dallas Mavericks could grab Toronto Raptors veteran Thad Young.
Even with the Doncic megadeal starting to kick in, Mark Cuban and Nico Harrison have shown that they are always willing to bend the salary cap to its absolute limit if it means that they can bring in another big name. Young would be more versatile than Maxi Kleber and a better defender than Davis Bertans.
Young needs to go somewhere willing to fit his skillset into their plans, and a coach like Jason Kidd who has had some impressive adaptability in the playoffs could help integrate him. If Doncic keeps getting better, Young could coast to a Finals appearance as one of the first guys off of the bench while Toronto struggles to replace him.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia was the stage on which Young made his name in the early parts of his career. While Young is not going to be the same scorer that he was when he was an up-and-comer, the idea of raising the floor of this much-maligned bench could help Joel Embiid get his first Finals shot.
DeAndre Jordan is at the point in his career where he is a negative asset every time he steps on the floor. If Doc Rivers is willing to give Paul Reed more minutes at the center, the 76ers could deliver a gut punch to their division rival if they are able to take Young away from the Raptors.
The 76ers could be very interesting to Thad Young.
Even though the 76ers are a veteran team and Toronto brought in the aging Young to help with a young roster, he could have the same impact on the second unit. This postseason shows how reliant the 76ers are on Joel Embiid as currently constructed.
Young’s defense and playmaking from the post could appeal to Rivers, as it could help give the bench a completely different look when the ball-dominant Embiid has to take a rest. A 2022-23 season without Boucher and Young would be tough for Toronto, and Young wearing 76ers colors could be even tougher to watch.
1. Golden State Warriors
Golden State appears to be a few steps away from making it back to the Finals, though it might be more challenging to get back to the Finals next year. While the Warriors have one of the deeper lineups in the game, Kevon Looney is going to be a free agent after this season and James Wiseman’s status is up in the air.
The Warriors don’t have the most financial flexibility in the world, but Bob Myers could be in a position to use most of that space on Young if Looney leaves. While not as good a rebounder at this point in his career, Young could bolster Golden State with his wily style f play.
Thad Young could leave the Toronto Raptors for the Warriors.
Young’s unique skillset is what makes him a player that Golden State could utilize. While not as good a defender as Draymond Green, Young ould be the Green replacement when injury or age starts to get the better of him.
The Warriors are on the verge of getting back to the postseason despite the nominal end of their dynasty. After helping veteran leaders like Shaun Livingston and David West slip rings on their fingers, Golden State could be the best way to make sure Young ends his great career with a title.