Mavericks should target Masai Ujiri's former lottery pick who might be available

One of Masai Ujiri’s more against-the-grain draft picks, Gradey Dick, could soon wind up on the trade block and be "amenable" to such a move, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet. The former lottery pick has seemingly fallen out of favor in Toronto, but his once-lauded shooting stroke would be a major boon for the Dallas Mavericks, who just so happen to now employ the executive who drafted Dick back in 2023 — Masai Ujiri himself.

The Raptors could look to move on from Gradey Dick

Dick, a 6-foot-7 three-point marksman, is much different than Ujiri’s typical prospect. For one, his game is built around his shooting ability. He’s not the hyperactive, long and rangy defender Ujiri usually covets. The size is there, but he aligns much more closely with scoring wings than two-way forwards.

Nonetheless, it wouldn’t be surprising if Ujiri once again showed interest in the 23-year-old wing. After averaging 21.1 minutes per game as a rookie and then starting 54 games for the Raptors during his sophomore campaign, Dick’s workload was drastically reduced in year three. He averaged just 14.0 minutes per contest and started only one game across 76 appearances.

As a result, he’s become expendable for Toronto, which is reportedly looking to make some cost-cutting moves ahead of next season, specifically trimming roughly $6 million to duck the luxury tax. Coincidentally, Dick is owed $7.1 million next season before hitting restricted free agency in 2027. Thus, it appears to be the perfect time to part ways with the former Kansas Jayhawk.

Typically, nabbing a former lottery pick who averaged 14.4 points and 2.1 three-pointers per game as a sophomore while still on his rookie contract would be no easy task. But the Raptors’ financial situation, coupled with Dick’s regression, makes him a wholly attainable target for Dallas. Combined with Ujiri’s history with the sharpshooter, a deal suddenly feels much more plausible.

Why the Dallas Mavericks could have interest in Gradey Dick

Dallas would certainly welcome Dick’s perimeter shotmaking, as the Mavericks need as much shooting around Cooper Flagg as possible. With Klay Thompson entering the final year of his contract, and at 36 years old, Dallas should already be searching for a long-term replacement. There’s even a chance Thompson gets traded this summer, meaning the Mavericks must be proactive about finding another wing shooter.

For instance, a player-for-player swap involving AJ Johnson and Dick is only about $400,000 away from being financially viable. Thus, it wouldn’t take much salary cap gymnastics for either team to get a deal done. Of course, additional pieces could be included, such as Jakob Poeltl and Daniel Gafford, to make the framework both legal and more realistic. In that scenario, Dallas could likely poach some draft capital for taking on Poeltl’s contract.

Nonetheless, Dick potentially landing on the trade block is encouraging news for Dallas. After three seasons in Toronto, the Raptors may not feel the need to continue investing in the former 13th overall selection. Moreover, with Ja’Kobe Walter taking on a prominent role in the postseason and Jamison Battle exceeding expectations, Toronto has little need for another reserve wing, especially one who’s more expensive than Walter and Battle combined.

For Dallas, this is exactly the type of low-risk swing worth making. Dick still possesses the elite shooting ability that made him a lottery pick in the first place, and a change of scenery could easily revitalize his value. Given Ujiri’s history with the sharpshooter and the Mavericks’ growing need for perimeter scoring, Dallas should have significant interest if Toronto does make him available.

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