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Gradey Dick described his emotions with a single word on Saturday — “bittersweet.” The 22-year-old guard faced his former team, the Toronto Raptors, for the first time in NBA pre-season action at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Dick joined the Los Angeles Clippers this summer as part of the blockbuster trade that brought Kawhi Leonard back to Los Angeles.
A Familiar Face on the Other Side
Toronto originally selected Dick 13th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. He spent three seasons with the Raptors, averaging 9.2 points and 20 minutes per game. The trade sent Dick, Brandon Ingram, two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks to the Clippers in exchange for Leonard.
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Leonard helped Toronto win its only NBA championship during his sole season with the club in 2018-19. His return to the Clippers came at a significant cost for the Raptors organization.
Dick grew up in Kansas and lived away from his family for the first time when Toronto drafted him. He said the city treated him well throughout his time there. “Me being from Kansas and going all the way out to Toronto — the first time I’m living away from my family,” Dick said before tipoff on Saturday. “Toronto kind of welcomed me with open arms all the way. That’s why it’s kind of bittersweet.”
Trade Complications Left Dick in Limbo
The deal between the two franchises hit a significant delay before it could be finalized. The NBA launched an investigation in September into whether a $28 million endorsement contract involving Leonard violated league salary cap rules. Both the Clippers and the Raptors agreed to hold off completing the trade until the league concluded its inquiry.
During that uncertain period, Dick said his family helped him stay focused. “Fortunately, around that time I was on vacation with my family,” he said. “It was easy to have them help me keep my head on straight and not really focus on other stuff.” He added that he used the time to work on his individual game and stay ready for whatever outcome the league’s decision brought.
Meanwhile, Leonard himself is still working his way back to full fitness. The 35-year-old is not expected to play in the near term. He averaged 27.9 points per game across 65 games last season — the highest-scoring campaign of his career.
Clippers Coach Sets Clear Expectations
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue spoke openly about what he wants from Dick going forward. He said he challenged the young forward during the offseason to become a more reliable three-point shooter. “I had a talk with him this summer about getting to be a 38-, 40-per-cent three-point shooter,” Lue said. He noted that Dick came close to that mark during his rookie season.
Dick shot 36 per cent from three-point range in his first NBA season. However, that figure dropped to 30 per cent by the time he left Toronto. Lue remained positive about Dick’s overall skill set. “He’s very talented and being able to cut the way he does, slash the way he does, to play in transition,” Lue said. “Add that to his game and I think it would make him a very good player.”
Former Coach Full of Praise
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic also had warm words for his former player. The two exchanged text messages on Friday ahead of Saturday’s pre-season matchup. Rajakovic expressed strong confidence in Dick’s future in the league. “He’s one of the most talented players in his draft class and I think he’s going to have an amazing career,” Rajakovic said. “He just needs to be consistent, to have a consistent opportunity, and he’s going to shine.”
For Dick, Saturday’s game represented more than just a pre-season tune-up. It was a chance to face the organization that gave him his start — and a reminder of how quickly things can change in professional basketball. Despite the mixed emotions, he kept his perspective simple. “It’s kind of bittersweet,” he said, “but at the same time, it’s NBA basketball.”
