Toronto Raptors

LiAngelo Ball's quest to earn a spot on the Charlotte Hornets alongside his brother LaMelo continued with an eight-point effort off the bench on Saturday as the Toronto Raptors picked up an 80-79 victory at the Las Vegas Summer League. 

Ball went 3-of-8 from the field with two three-pointers, one steal and one rebound in 17 minutes as the Hornets dropped their fourth straight exhibition contest.

It's the second straight contest Ball finished with eight points after he scored 16 on 10 field goal attempts in his Summer League debut. Yet the 22-year-old more than held his own against a large Raptors lineup featuring No. 4 overall pick Scottie Barnes, who finished with a game-high 23-points, five rebounds and four assists. 

Barnes played 30 minutes and got a bit more run with his frontcourt mate in Precious Achiuwa, who came over from the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade for Kyle Lowry. 

Achiuwa went 8-of-14 from the field with 18 points and six boards in the win. But it was Barnes who notched a huge dunk with 20 seconds remaining in regulation to knot the game at 79. Dalano Banton (seven points) would go onto seal the win two seconds later by stealing the inbounds pass and immediately drawing a foul. After missing the first free throw, the point guard drained his second to help secure the win. 

The Toronto Raptors have reportedly been "resistant" to inquires from the Dallas Mavericks about a potential trade for point guard Goran Dragic.

Veteran reporter Marc Stein explained on The Crossover NBA Show podcast on Tuesday the Raptors view Dragic, who was acquired in the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade deal with the Miami Heat, as a "very tradeable" asset and there's "no way" he's bought out by Toronto.

Stein noted the Mavs would be a major player if Dragic ends up on the free-agent market, but may lack the resources to make a formidable trade offer.

"I think it's gonna be tough," Stein said. "They've already tried, based on everything I've been told. Toronto has been resistant to it."

On Monday, a video clip surfaced of the 35-year-old guard speaking to Slovenian TV reporters about his trade to the Raptors.

"Toronto is not my preferred destination," Dragic said. "I have higher ambitions. We'll see."

He later apologized for those remarks in an interview with Sportsnet's Michael Grange.

"My message basically, to all Toronto fans, is I would like to apologize," Dragic said. "It didn't come out the right way. I know they love their team, and they should be proud, it is one of the best organizations in the NBA. They've already won a championship and I didn't, so what I said, it really was not appropriate."

Dragic averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 threes across 50 appearances for the Heat last season. He's under contract for the 2021-22 season after Miami exercised a team option in his deal before the trade. He'll count $19.4 million against the salary cap and be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Raptors general manager Bobby Webster confirmed there were talks about potentially flipping the 2018 All-Star to Dallas, but a deal didn't come to fruition.

"We entertained it, and we were up front with Goran," Webster told reporters Friday. "We liked him from the start. ... Ultimately, we want Goran here. I think he's happy to be here."

Toronto missed the playoffs with a 27-45 record last season and could be heading toward another rebuilding year following the departure of Lowry. In turn, trying to trade Dragic before his contract runs out makes sense, but the front office could wait until closer to the trade deadline if necessary.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks could use some added guard depth behind the starting tandem of Luka Doncic and Tim Hardaway Jr. They have a limited number of attractive trade chips to equal out the contracts, however, which could bring the need for a third team to make a deal work with the Raptors.

It's possible Dragic still needs up in Dallas, but any hope of getting him for a bargain price or as a free agent after a buyout from Toronto has seemingly faded away.

Toronto Raptors guard Goran Dragic apologized for comments he made to a Slovenian reporter in which he said he has "higher ambitions" than playing for the club that acquired him in a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat for Kyle Lowry. 

The veteran told a TV station in his native country that Toronto was not his preferred destination this offseason. Speaking to SportsNet's Michael Grange on Monday, the guard walked that sentiment back and said he'll give 100 percent to the franchise and its fans. 

The 35-year-old is due to make $19.4 million this season before he hits unrestricted free agency ahead of the 2022-23 season. 

The Raptors have made their intention to rebuild their roster rather clear. As they sank in the standings last season, an offseason departure of Lowry became nearly inevitable while younger players were getting more opportunities on the floor. 

Far removed from their 2019 NBA title, general manager Bobby Webster said on Saturday the club's path forward has been obvious.

“You probably have to go back to the second half of [last] season,” Webster said, per TSN's Josh Lewenberg. “You probably could see the direction the team was going in, and jumping up in the draft to get the fourth pick, philosophically, I think going young became kind of a more desirable path.”

That doesn't mesh with Dragic at this point in his career. The 2018 All-Star has made significant contributions in recent postseasons but has yet to win a title—a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2020 Finals remains as close as he's come. 

Yet the Raptors appear ready to hold onto Dragic for the 2021-22 season. While there are a few scenarios that could lead to the guard's exit—a buyout, trade deadline move, etc.—none of those appear imminent. 

“Obviously, if we got an offer that was too good to refuse we’d listen, but ultimately we want Goran here,” Webster said. “He’s happy to be here; obviously he’s been able to carve out a very nice career for himself. Talking to Masai [Ujiri], talking to everyone here, we’ve watched him a ton and I know a lot of people have seen him kill us. As a basketball player, as a vet, he provides a lot of value to us.”

Dragic may have held higher aspirations heading into the offseason, but he's ready to buy into his new role with Toronto moving forward. 

Pascal Siakam is reportedly on the trade market. 

According to Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee, the Toronto Raptors are "receiving numerous calls" regarding the star power forward and team president Masai Ujiri is "listening like a good negotiator." The Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly "enamored" with Siakam.

Anderson noted, however, that a trade "is possible, but not likely, the source said, adding Siakam has no desire to be moved despite the possibility of a rebuilding situation in Toronto."

He reported that the Kings have also shown interest in Philadelphia 76ers wantaway guard Ben Simmons. 

The Raptors find themselves of something of a soft rebuild, with core pieces in Siakam (27), Fred VanVleet (27) and OG Anunoby (24) who are all good enough to be key contributors to a playoff team but lack the true superstar needed to be a title contender.

The team also has intriguing young players in Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa and Gary Trent Jr. worth building around, but on a somewhat different timeline than Siakam and VanVleet. 

So it wouldn't be shocking, then, if the Raptors were willing to move on from Siakam this offseason. 

The Kings likely would try to build a trade package around Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley III and multiple picks, per Anderson, a deal that would almost perfectly match Siakam's $33 million salary for the 2021-22 season.  A starting five of De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, Harrison Barnes, Siakam and Richaun Holmes would give the Kings an excellent shot at forcing their way into the playoff conversation in a tough Western Conference. 

The Warriors could also offer an intriguing package built around Andrew Wiggins and James Wiseman to land another star to play alongside Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, though it would require the Raptors sending back more salary in return. That offer would allow the Raptors to build around Wiseman, Barnes and Anunoby as key pieces while still putting a strong lineup on the floor thanks to Wiggins (26) and VanVleet. 

As for the Clippers, it's hard to see what offer they may be able to build to compete with the above propositions. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George aren't going anywhere, they don't have much future draft capital after trading for George and matching salaries would require some combination of players like Luke Kennard ($12.7 million), Ivica Zubac ($7.5 million), Marcus Morris Sr. ($15.6 million) and Patrick Beverley ($14.3 million) heading the other way, alongside whichever younger players Toronto wanted in the deal. 

The Raptors could get better offers elsewhere. Before this offseason is over, they just might.

The NBA is reportedly investigating the sign-and-trade deals involving Lonzo Ball and Kyle Lowry for potential tampering, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski.

Wojnarowski added that the "NBA is expected to examine early contact" regarding those trades that may have happened before free agency opened at 6 p.m. ET Monday.

The New Orleans Pelicans sent Ball to the Chicago Bulls as part of a sign-and-trade that netted guard Tomas Satoransky, wing Garrett Temple and a second-round pick. Ball signed a four-year, $85 million contract as part of the move.

Lowry signed a three-year, $90 million contract and was traded from the Toronto Raptors to the Miami Heat for forward Precious Achiuwa and guard Goran Dragic.

Since the Ball and Lowry transactions were reported shortly after free agency began, it led to speculation that early talks were held, in violation of league rules.

Per Wojnarowski, the NBA made several changes to its tampering rules two years ago, including raising the maximum fine to $10 million and allowing for the voiding of contracts, forfeiture of draft picks and suspension of executives.

In December, the NBA took away the Milwaukee Bucks' second-round pick in 2022 because of their sign-and-trade negotiation with the Sacramento Kings involving Bogdan Bogdanovic. The sign-and-trade fell through, and Bogdanovic went to the Atlanta Hawks instead.

Under tampering rules, the NBA can examine the phone call records, texts and emails of executives to determine if regulations were broken.

Assuming the Ball and Lowry deals still go through, they should help the Bulls and Heat in their attempts to vie for Eastern Conference supremacy.

The Bulls have not reached the playoffs since 2017, but with a potential starting lineup of Ball, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams and Nikola Vucevic, that drought could end in 2021-22.

Meanwhile, the Heat now have a Big Three of Lowry, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo and are just over one year removed from a trip to the NBA Finals, meaning they could once again be a top contender next season.

The Toronto Raptors have yet to retire any numbers. That will reportedly change when Kyle Lowry's career comes to a close.

After the departure of the star point guard in a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat on Friday, Toronto chairman Larry Tanenbaum told The Athletic's Jared Weiss that Lowry will have his No. 7 jersey retired by the Raptors when his career is over. 

Lowry was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 24 overall in 2006, and he spent two seasons with the franchise before being traded to the Houston Rockets. But it wasn't until he arrived in Toronto for his age-26 campaign that he became a force in the backcourt.

In nine seasons with the Raptors, Lowry averaged 17.5 points, 7.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.

The 35-year-old blossomed into a six-time All-Star and helped deliver the club's first title in 2019. 

Already a Toronto legend alongside the likes of Vince Carter and Chris Bosh, Lowry will ultimately become immortalized in Raptors history. 

The Toronto Raptors are apparently determined to keep Goran Dragic.

Marc Stein reported the Raptors have not engaged in buyout discussions and are rebuffing trade advances from other teams.

Toronto acquired Dragic and Precious Achiuwa from the Heat as part of a sign-and-trade agreement that sent Kyle Lowry to Miami. Dragic spent the last six and a half seasons with the Heat, earning an All-Star berth in 2018 and providing stability to the backcourt.

While Dragic is past his prime as he enters his age-35 season, he remains an effective sixth man who could slot in easily behind Fred VanVleet on the depth chart.

The Raptors may be more willing to entertain overtures if they struggle out of the gate. Toronto missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2012-13 season last year but has given no indication a rebuilding effort is starting anytime soon.

It's possible the Raptors will eventually move on from Dragic, but the holding pattern makes sense for now. 

There has been no reporting on any hesitation from Dragic about playing for the Raptors, so  this is a situation worth monitoring rather than one where we can expect imminent change.

The Toronto Raptors can breathe a sigh of relief after Masai Ujiri officially signed his contract extension to remain with the organization. 

The team officially announced Ujiri's agreement on Thursday:  

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the "significant new deal" will see Ujiri remain as Toronto's top basketball and business executive with the title of vice chairman and president. 

Heading into a crucial offseason that will shape the long-term direction of the franchise, Ujiri's contract status was hanging over everything. Kyle Lowry is expected to leave the Raptors as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Miami Heat, per Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports.

Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Fred Van Vleet have all signed long-term extensions. The team also selected Florida State guard Scottie Barnes with the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NBA draft. 

Coming off a 27-45 record last season, the Raptors have the potential for a quick turnaround if they can keep their key players healthy.

Even though Ujiri had yet to sign a new deal, there have been indications the 51-year-old was continuing his work with the Raptors. 

"He's working like someone whose team's problems are his to fix. He's all in on the draft, he's looking at free agency," one player agent told Michael Grange of SportsNet.ca in July. "He's coming back."

Ujiri has established himself as one of the best and most respected executives in the NBA. He began his career with the Denver Nuggets as general manager and executive vice president in charge of basketball operations in 2010. 

After spending three seasons in Denver, Ujiri was hired by the Raptors as executive vice president and general manager. He played a critical role in building the roster that helped the franchise win the 2019 NBA title, including trading for Serge Ibaka and Kawhi Leonard and drafting Siakam. 

Toronto's success under Ujiri's watch made him one of the most sought-after executives in the league.

Wojnarowski reported hours after the Raptors won the NBA title two years ago that the Washington Wizards were preparing to make Ujiri an offer to run their basketball operations that "could approach $10 million annually and deliver him the opportunity for ownership equity."

In February 2020, Wojnarowski reported that New York Knicks governor James Dolan was targeting Ujiri to oversee the organization's basketball operations department. 

Despite the apparent interest from other teams, Ujiri has remained in Toronto through it all. The Raptors made the playoffs in each of his first seven seasons before missing out in 2020-21. 

Given Ujiri's strong track record of success at finding players in the draft and a willingness to make aggressive trades to improve his roster, the Raptors will be in excellent hands as long as he is in the front office. 

Kyle Lowry thanked a number of parties Wednesday as his time with the Toronto Raptors reportedly draws to a close.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the six-time All-Star agreed to a three-year, $90 million deal with the Miami Heat as part of a sign-and-trade.

Lowry said on Instagram he was "a 26 year old still trying to find his way" when he joined the Raptors in 2012. He added that "the ups and downs have been well worth it."

"Toronto will forever be my 2nd home and I will always be tied to the franchise, the city and the country of Canada which makes me so happy to say," he wrote.

Lowry proceeded to thank Raptors officials and staffers, former teammate DeMar DeRozan, members of the 2018-19 championship squad and music star Drake.

Lowry said he "legit gave blood , sweat, and tears and everything I've could !!!"

The 35-year-old is arguably the greatest player in Raptors history. He's first in assists (4,277) and steals (873) and second in points (10,540) behind DeRozan, whom Lowry called his "best friend." According to Basketball Reference, his 74.5 win shares are some distance ahead of the 61.8 of Chris Bosh, who is in second place.

Toronto's title triumph helped lift Lowry over the top when it comes to the city's sports legends.

Toronto Mayor John Tory wrote that Lowry's impact went beyond what he accomplished on the court:

"Kyle Lowry showed us how to win, but also how to treat our friends, elevate our teammates, celebrate our children and the joy they bring us," he said. "He stood up for what's right and called out injustice and Anti-Black racism. He was a role model for many and an inspiration to all of us."

There's no question Lowry will one day have his No. 7 jersey retired by the Raptors, a distinction the team hasn't granted to any player.

Tory went a step further and said he believes the city of Toronto will also honor the veteran playmaker with a statue.

Goran Dragic's stay with the Toronto Raptors may not be long, as multiple teams looking for a point guard reportedly have interest in the 35-year-old. 

On the latest episode of Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective Podcast (starts at the 39:30 mark), ESPN's Marc J. Spears noted Dragic's "first choice" is the Dallas Mavericks. 

Spears also said the New Orleans Pelicans are on Dragic's list of preferred landing spots. 

The Miami Heat have agreed to a sign-and-trade deal with the Raptors for Kyle Lowry that will send Dragic to Toronto, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. 

Dragic hasn't been shy about saying publicly that he would like the chance to play alongside Luka Doncic at some point. 

“Maybe I would really end my career together with Luka Doncic in a Dallas Mavericks jersey," Dragic told Slovenian reporter Matej Podgorsek of Planet TV (h/t Matt Galatzan of 105.3 The Fan). "But these are all guesses now. I still don’t know where I’m going to play. But I definitely want to play with him someday.”

Windhorst noted the Mavs do want to pair Dragic with Doncic, but they "don't want to pay" the price in a trade to make it happen. He also noted the Pelicans could look to join the sign-and-trade deal with Miami and Toronto to take Dragic to New Orleans. 

The earliest the trade can become official is Aug. 6. 

The Pelicans desperately need a starting point guard who can score and run the offense. Lonzo Ball is reportedly set to join the Chicago Bulls on a four-year, $85 million deal as part of a sign-and-trade with New Orleans,  per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Windhorst said on his podcast that Chris Paul "entertained" a three-year, $100 million offer from New Orleans before agreeing to re-sign with the Phoenix Suns. 

William Guillory of The Athletic listed Spencer Dinwiddie as a player of interest to the Pelicans before the start of free agency. The 28-year-old is nearing agreement on a deal with the Washington Wizards, per Wojnarowski. 

Dragic has been a solid starter in the NBA over the course of his 13-year career. The Slovenian star has averaged 13.9 points, 4.8 assists, 3.1 rebounds per game and has made 36.4 percent of his three-point attempts in 867 games since the 2008-09 season.