The Toronto Raptors have added some much-needed help on the route ahead. After weeks of speculation about whether the Raptors could use Goran Dragic’s contract to help buy a piece ahead of the deal’s deadline, Toronto added Thaddeus Young to the fold. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Young, in the middle of the season 33 years old, has played modestly for the San Antonio Spurs. In 26 appearances, he averaged 6.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
Raptors-Spurs . transaction details
Raptors receive: Thaddeus Young, Drew Eubanks, 2022 Pistons second round
Spurs receive: Goran Dragic, Toronto 2022 first round (1-14 defense, 2023 1-13 defense, converted to seconds in the future)
The Raptors put in place safeguards to ensure Spurs won’t receive a lottery prize for a potential lease in Young. If Young plays to his potential and the Raptors find something in him, they could have to succumb to a no-lottery pick in this year’s draft.
What is Thaddeus Young’s contract?
It’s a low-risk move for the Raptors, who won’t owe Young anything beyond this season. Young is contracted until the end of the 2021-22 season and will become an unrestricted free agent in the 2022 season.
If Young integrates and performs well with Toronto, the Raptors will likely consider keeping him long-term, if he doesn’t, the team could look for a real starting center during the season.
What is Goran Dragic’s contract?
According to Wojnarowski, Spurs are expected to buy Dragic, who is making $19.4 million this season. The 35-year-old will be one of the tournament’s most sought-after targets.
Dragic never seemed to fully commit to the idea of going to Toronto with the Raptors. Finding a replacement for him could lead to a win for Toronto.
Who is Drew Eubanks?
Drew Eubanks is 6’10 tall in the middle of the season 25 years old. Eubanks arrived in Toronto after spending the first 3.5 years of his career with the Spurs.
This season, Eubanks has mostly come on from the bench for the Spurs with 4.7 points, 4.0 rebounds.
It may be hard for Eubanks to break the Raptors’ daily rotation, but having another big body to lower is a luxury the Raptors haven’t had in a while. Given a specific role and minutes, Eubanks can thrive in Toronto’s development system.
Eubanks’ deal is not guaranteed next season and he will become an unrestricted free agent in the 2023 season according to Spotrac.
