Dick faces Raptors for first time since trade

VANCOUVER – Gradey Dick reflected on the emotions surrounding his first game against the team that drafted him three years prior, as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers. The former Toronto Raptors player described his feelings as "bittersweet," acknowledging the ups and downs of his time with the Canadian team. Dick was part of a trade package that sent him from Toronto to Los Angeles in exchange for Kawhi Leonard, who helped Toronto win their sole NBA championship in 2019.

The trade, finalized in September, involved the Raptors sending Dick, Brandon Ingram, two first-round picks (2031 and 2033), a 2027 first-round swap, and two second-round choices in return for Leonard. Dick, who was selected by the Raptors with the 13th overall pick in 2023, averaged 9.2 points per game during his three seasons with the team.

He shared that being away from family in Toronto made the experience bittersweet. The trade faced scrutiny from the NBA over Leonard's $28 million endorsement contract, which delayed the completion of the deal. Dick, currently recovering from an injury, is not expected to play in the immediate future. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue expressed confidence in Dick's potential, hoping to improve his three-point shooting percentage, which dipped from 36% in his rookie season to 30% during his time in Toronto.

Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic praised Dick's talent, believing he would achieve great success in the league, provided he maintains consistency.