The 2023 NBA Draft was the night of celebration, optimism and the opportunity for all 58 selections to leave a mark on a franchise. Headlined by the trio of Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson, many prospects in this draft have become elite contributors for their respective teams. But for the Toronto Raptors, who selected Gradey Dick 13th overall, it has been complicated.
Dick was a premier scorer during his one-year stay at the University of Kansas, averaging 14.1 points per game and shooting 85.4 percent from the line. He was also named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team and All-Big 12 Second Team.
But since joining the NBA, Dick has struggled to consistently meet those standards. Role fluctuation, inconsistency, and physical adjustments have all contributed to a slower-than-expected start. Still, despite those struggles, he holds value as a potential trade asset entering the 2026 offseason.
Why Gradey Dick is a Valuable Trade Asset in the 2026 Offseason
Former First-Rounder Holds Inexpensive Contract
This season, Dick has seen a significant drop in his scoring average, minute totals, and field goal attempts, despite playing in 76 games this season. Many would quickly assume that his value is tanking, but in reality, the opposite could be argued.
At 6-foot-7, Dick still has traits that many franchises continue to prioritize. but he also has an edge many players don’t have. He can be inserted into a lineup that lacks height and spot-up shooting. Teams value wings who can space the floor and grow into reliable rotation pieces. Dick also possesses strong shooting mechanics and an ability to come off screens.
Additionally, he is still a low-cost asset, making $4.9 million annually, which increases his appeal as a movable piece elsewhere. In today’s state of the NBA, inexpensive players are valued, especially for teams searching for depth.
This gives front offices a low-risk shooter who can fit into any timeline. With the Raptors’ long term focus being on Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Brandon Ingram, Dick becomes a flexible piece in trades. He’s not untouchable, and that alone increases his relevance on the market.
What Has Gradey Dick Struggled With?
Gradey Dick’s slow start is likely tied to several factors that other players faced early on in their careers.
A Collapse in Shooting Efficiency
Dick was drafted to be an offensive scorer, but his three-point percentage has dipped — falling from 35 percent to 30.1. For a player that succeeds at shooting, that drop has made it harder for him to be called upon in big moments, which can also lead to a lack of confidence.
Constant Role Changes
Since 2025, Toronto has seen players come and go, leaving players like Dick to either fall in the depth chart or see little minutes on the court.
Adapting to the NBA’s Physicality
The NBA is one of the most prestigious and talented leagues in the world. With that comes a need for a fast playing style and pace, as well as matching physicality. This is another early challenge the former first-round pick sees daily.
What’s Next
Whether or not Gradey Dick is still a long-term option remains up for debate. While he struggles and lacks a significant presence on the court, his age, size and shooting potential still give him developmental value that many franchises admire.
Despite being an inch taller, Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson is a comparable example. Johnson entered the league three years younger and struggled early on with consistency and shot creation. Over time, he developed his shooting and playmaking in a new environment with new expectations.
If Dick can settle into a stable role for Toronto or be a premier scorer for a different franchise, his value could increase significantly. All things considered, this offseason could be very interesting for Dick’s future, whether that’s in the “6ix” or somewhere else.
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