Raptors trade Dragic to Spurs for Young

The Toronto Raptors have traded guard Goran Dragic and a protected 2022 first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs for forward Thaddeus Young, big man Drew Eubanks, and a 2022 second-round pick via the Detroit Pistons, the team announced Thursday.

The first-round selection is reportedly protected from 1-14 in 2022 and 1-13 in 2023, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. San Antonio will apparently receive two second-rounders if the pick doesn't convey in either 2022 or 2023.

Toronto acquired Dragic from the Miami Heat last offseason as part of the sign-and-trade deal for Kyle Lowry. The 14-year veteran started on opening night but made only five appearances for the Raptors.

In November, the team announced that Dragic was taking an indefinite leave to address a personal matter. The 35-year-old is on an expiring deal but is expected to negotiate a buyout with San Antonio, Wojnarowski reports.

The Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Clippers are apparently expected to express interest in Dragic once he becomes a free agent. The Mavericks are said to be the front-runners for the one-time All-Star, per Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes.

Like Dragic, the Spurs acquired Young in a sign-and-trade deal with the Bulls. The former first-round pick hasn't played much either, averaging 6.1 points, 3.6 boards, and 2.3 assists over 26 appearances this season.

Young has proven to be an effective defender and capable playmaker throughout his career. His 24% assist percentage this campaign ranks in the 97th percentile among big men, according to Cleaning the Glass.

Toronto is waiving Eubanks, according to Wojnarowski. The 25-year-old spent the past four seasons in San Antonio. He averaged 4.7 points and four boards across 49 contests in 2021-22.