Farewell Toronto: Former KU wing Gradey Dick thanks Raptors fans after trade
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- Gradey Dick thanked Toronto Raptors fans on Instagram after being traded to the Clippers.
- The trade cannot be finalized until Monday due to cap restrictions and rules.
- Dick averaged 6.0 points and 1.9 rebounds in 76 games for the Raptors in 2025-26.
Former University of Kansas basketball shooting guard Gradey Dick in an Instagram message Friday thanked Toronto Raptors fans for their support during his first three seasons in the NBA.
Dick, the No. 13 overall pick (by the Raptors) in the 2023 NBA Draft after a one-and-done season as a 19-year-old freshman at KU, on Tuesday was part of a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The deal, which according to the Toronto Star cannot be finalized until Monday because of cap restrictions and rules, sent seven-time all-star Kawhi Leonard from the Clippers to the Raptors for the 22-year-old Dick, Brandon Ingram, two unprotected first-round picks, one pick swap and two second-round picks.
“TORONTO! It was a blessing and I am forever grateful to have been a Raptor. I genuinely appreciate all the love and support over the years. Memories in the 6ix (nickname for city of Toronto) that’ll last a lifetime!! I’ll always have love for the North. Thank you for everything Toronto. On to the next chapter!” Dick, a fan favorite in his time in Canada, wrote on Instagram.
It has been his first public statement in the wake of Tuesday’s transaction.
The 6-foot-7, 200-pound Wichita native is about to enter the final year of his four-year rookie contract, worth $7,131,511 during the 2026-27 season. He will be a restricted free agent after the season.
Dick’s production dipped his third year in the NBA. He averaged 6.0 points and 1.9 rebounds in 76 games or the Raptors in 2025-26 after averaging 14.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest in 2024-25.
He hit 30.1% of his 3s last season after hitting 35.0% of his treys his second year in the league. He went 40.3% from 3 during the 2022-23 season at KU and 36.5% his rookie season in the pros.
A former starter and integral part of the regular rotation, Dick played just four minutes combined across three appearances in the Raptors’ seven-game playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, won by Cleveland.
He’s been the subject of trade rumors for several weeks with the Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans reportedly showing interest.
The Toronto Star’s Doug Smith wrote: “Dick, the 13th overall pick in the 2023 draft, fell out of favor when he struggled, particularly defensively, in his third season. He lost his spot in the regular rotation late in the regular season and did not figure in Toronto’s long-term plans.”
Dick arrives as the Clippers are in rebuild mode following the trade of Leonard.
“We will see how this year goes for Dick in Los Angeles, because if he does well, the team may want to re-sign him and have him stick around for the team’s rebuild since he is still so young. But if he falters again, he could be at the crossroads of his NBA career at a very young age,” wrote Adam Martin of heavy.com.
Cedisports.com wrote: “For Dick, this year represents a pivotal moment to demonstrate that his shooting prowess can be complemented by improved consistency, stronger defensive contributions, and smarter shot selection. The bigger picture for Dick is clear: success in Los Angeles could accelerate a stable place in the Clippers’ long-term plan. A strong showing would signal his ability to contribute as a reliable floor spacer and a multi-faceted guard who can contribute in transition, off the catch, and in late-clock situations. Conversely, if the climb proves steeper than anticipated, he could face a crossroads early in his professional journey. Nevertheless, the scenario in Los Angeles offers a more favorable setup than Toronto’s current path for a player with Dick’s skill set.”
