Raptor Goran Dragić says goodbye personally

Goran Dragić’s short and quiet career with the Raptors is probably over.

The team announced Sunday that the 35-year-old point guard left to “handle a personal problem.” Without a schedule for a comeback, it’s very possible that he won’t rejoin the Raptors at all.

“There is no defined timeline for this process, and we will advise updates as appropriate,” general manager Bobby Webster said in a statement.

“Goran has the backing of Masai (Ujiri, vice president and team president), Nick (nurse, head coach) and the entire organization, and we wish him the best.”

Dragić’s family remained in Florida while he played in Toronto as the season began.

That Dragić does not finish the season with the Raptors is not news, and if there is a trade that gives Toronto any advantage, it will be done. Otherwise, buying the final months of his expiring $ 19 million (US) contract will likely save the team a few dollars and allow it to sign elsewhere.

Neither side has any illusions about how this ends, and Dragić was a consummate professional in the few months he spent with the franchise after being landed on a sign-and-trade deal with Miami alongside Precious Achiuwa by Kyle Lowry last summer. .

“Goran is, first of all, a really good guy,” Nurse said Sunday. “Extremely professional, very wise with all his international experience and all his years in the NBA. He’s a nice guy to be around and train and all that kind of stuff. “

The Raptors sought a trade immediately after acquiring Dragić, but they were always going to be open to a purchase as the season progressed. With a franchise under construction for a year or two, there was no room for a 13-year veteran in the final year of his contract.

The Raptors were more interested in developing rookie Dalano Banton and second-year point guard Malachi Flynn than providing playing time for someone who would leave at the end of the season at the latest.

Dragić played in just five of Toronto’s first 20 games, starting one when Fred VanVleet didn’t get dressed. He hasn’t been in a game since November 13.