Raptors add veteran Thad Young, big man Eubanks for Dragic, draft move down at NBA trade deadline

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The Raptors trade deadline day started as expected with the team moving the contract of seldom-used point guard Goran Dragic.

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Dragic, who has not even been in Toronto since November after the two sides agreed to part ways with the expectation that a trade or buyout was coming, was dealt to San Antonio in exchange for their own seldom-used veteran in Thad Young.

Also heading to San Antonio was the Raptors’ lottery-protected first round pick in 2022 while the Spurs sent back Drew Eubanks and a second rounder (which is actually Detroit’s second round pick in 2022).

Young, 6-foot-8 and 235 pounds, is a 15-year veteran who is highly thought of around the league. A year ago with the Bulls he averaged 12 points, six assists and four boards but was not seeing much time in San Antonio where the priority is on development.

The 33-year-old well-travelled big is a nice upgrade for the Toronto bench. He’s also up for free agency after this year though the Raptors will have his Bird rights.

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Eubanks is a 6-9, 245-pound centre who is just 25 years old.

He’ll be another big coming off the Raptors bench.

As of publication there was still a few hours left until the trade deadline expired but based on GM Bobby Webster’s expectation that any deals would tend to hedge towards something minor, a sentiment he expressed in a call with media members earlier in the week, the likelihood is this will be the extent of Toronto’s involvement in the day’s proceedings.

As for Dragic, there were already indications that he was headed for another team, possibly Dallas, following a buyout by the Spurs. Dragic was acquired from Miami with Precious Achiuwa in the Kyle Lowry sign and trade. Right from the outset though, the Raptors made it very clear Achiuwa was the focus in the deal for them and Dragic was a part of it solely to make the financials work.

At first glance giving up even a protected first as the Raptors did in the deal would seem like a lot until you consider the gap between where the Raptors likely draft and where a Detroit second round pick would come. Likely talking a move down between 10 or 12 spots in the actual draft because the Pistons boast the NBA’s worst record.

As for where this leaves Toronto’s roster, it should give head coach Nick Nurse another couple of frontcourt options off the bench but it still leaves the team a little short on backcourt depth.