The Toronto Raptors have picked up the team options for two former lottery picks. They are picking up the third-year team option for Gradey Dick and the fourth-year team option for Ochai Agbaji. The Raptors had until October 31st to decide to pick up Dick and Agabji’s team option for the 2025-26 NBA season. Following the first four games, the team has seen enough, grabbing both options ahead of the deadline.
To little surprise, the Raptors have exercised the 4th and 3rd year options on the rookie contracts of Ochai Agbaji and Gradey Dick. Not unexpected.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 29, 2024
Toronto Raptors Pick Up Team Options On Former Lottery Picks
Sophomore Standout Gradey Dick
Dick, the Raptors 13th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has been a staple of their starting lineup so far this season. In the season’s first four games, the six-foot-six sharper shooter from Kansas has shown a much improved all-around game. Dick is averaging 16 points a night, nearly double his points per game average of 8.5 from a season ago. He is also posting a career-high in assists 1.8 and 0.8 blocks.
During Saturday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dick recorded a career-high 25 points. He also set a new personal best in blocks with two on opening night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. With his floor spacing ability, Dick seems like a lock to be the fifth starter once the team is healthy. With Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley injured, the Raptors team needs Dick’s shot-making ability more than ever.
Third-Year Resurgence Ochai Agbaji
Selected 14th in the 2022 NBA draft, Agbaji was traded to the Raptors last season with Kelly Olynyk in exchange for a first-round pick and salary filler. Following the trade, Agbaji struggled in Toronto, putting up career-worst shooting numbers in field goal and three-point percentage. Agbaji’s shooting struggles carried over to preseason, where he shot the ball horribly from deep, connecting on 18.8% of his threes. However, with the Raptors dealing with many injuries to start the season, he got the start on opening night. Since then, Agbaji has played the best basketball in his NBA career.
The guard is averaging 12.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals through the first four games, all career highs. What’s most impressive is how well he is shooting the ball, going 45.5% from three and 58.8% overall, both career highs. Agbaji should continue to see starter minutes for at least a bit longer, taking Barnes’s place in the starting five.
Looking Forward
The Raptors’ decision to pick up Agbaji’s team option means he will remain under contract until the summer of 2026. From there, he will enter restricted free agency where Toronto can match any contract offers he receives from other teams. For Dick, he still has another team option for the 2026-27 season that Toronto will have to decide on next year. If the team does pick up his option, Dick will enter restricted free agency in the summer of 2027. Currently, the Raptors have ten players under contract for the 2026-27 season.
