NBA Rumors: Raptors Better Off Cutting Ties With Flailing Slovenian Guard

The Toronto Raptors will be proceeding with the 2021-22 NBA season with Goran Dragic possibly no longer around.

In a statement from Raptors general manager Bobby Webster, the 35-year-old guard will be sidelined indefinitely due to alleged personal reasons. This was announced on Sunday, Nov. 28, and reported by Shams Charania of The Atheltic.

“Goran Dragic is taking some time away from the team, with our full support, to manage a personal matter. He has been a complete professional in the time that he has been with the Raptors–Goran has been a great mentor to our younger players and a valued teammate to our veterans," Webster’s statement read.

For the Raptors, moving forward without the Slovenian guard is unlikely to affect the team. Fred VanVleet and Malachi Flynn are expected to rotate in the point guard position and Toronto has a fine supporting cast of young talented guards a swell.

And while Raptors management continues to bat that they respect Dragic, it is no secret that both sides did not start the relationship on a good note.

Recall that when the Raptors acquired Dragic from the Miami Heat in the Kyle Lowry trade, the Slovenian guard initially stated he did not want to play in Toronto.

Both sides were able to resolve that but the fact that Dragic has played only five games with hardly impressive numbers adds a bit of salt to the wound.

At 35, Dragic knows that his NBA years are numbered. He is on a $19.4 million expiring contract and could be a player to watch at the NBA trade deadline in February 2022. However, most teams may prefer seeing him being bought out before giving him a chance.

Despite his poor showing this 2021-22 season, finding the right team where he could fit in could alter his fate. But given that most teams would prefer investing in younger talent, the future is not looking so bright for the 45th pick of the 2008 NBA Draft.