NBA Trade Grades: Raptors turn Goran Dragic into Thad Young

The Raptors finally found a home for Goran Dragic, flipping him to the San Antonio Spurs for Thad Young. How will this deal work out for both teams?

The Toronto Raptors acquired Goran Dragic this offseason in the sign-and-trade that sent Kyle Lowry to the Miami Heat. Although they professed an interest in keeping him, it was clear both sides were just going through the motions as he appeared in just five games before leaving the lineup to deal with a personal matter and no timetable for his return.

The Raptors seemed determined to get something of value in return for him and refused to negotiate a buy-out. With just a few hours to go before the deadline, they finally figured out what they could get. They traded Dragic and a protected first-round pick to the Spurs for Thad Young, Drew Eubanks and a second-round pick.

Which team won the Goran Dragic – Thad Young trade?

The Raptors were getting absolutely nothing from Dragic and while Young duplicates a lot of what is already on the roster at least he should be on the floor and contributing something. Young appeared in just 26 games for the Spurs this season but as recently as last year he was a key piece for the Chicago Bulls, averaging 12.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, shooting 55.9 percent from the field.

He doesn’t have much stretch to his game but he can capably defend multiple positions he can act as an elbow hub and works as connective tissue on offense with his passing, cutting and finishing. He’s an older and less impressive version of Scottie Barnes but he adds depth for the Raptors and he could help them in a playoff series. Unfortunately, he’s unlikely to help them beyond that, as an expiring contract that the Raptors might not be interested in re-signing. That fact alone makes this deal a bit underwhelming. They basically gave up a (somewhat) desirable asset and their first-round pick this year for a guy who isn’t a game-changer in the present and might not be on the roster next year.

Raptors Grade: B-

The San Antonio Spurs are reportedly buying Dragic out and he’ll likely end up with the Dallas Mavericks. Even though the Raptors pick is likely to fall in the 20s, getting any first-round pick for Young is a win. In addition, the Dragic buyout should save them some money and could possibly make it easier for them to complete an additional trade, with rumors linking them to the Charlotte Hornets and a Jakob Poeltl for P.J. Washington swap.

Spurs Grade: B+