As they went searching at the trade deadline for a piece to a puzzle that was coming together more quickly than many expected, there were certain characteristics that Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster were looking for.
They wanted a veteran, someone who could make a shot if needed, fill a role when called for, provide some locker room leadership and be quite comfortable as a bit player rather than a star.
There was one name that was intriguing, a guy they’d tried to woo to Toronto before. When they landed Thad Young in the Goran Dragiu0107 transaction, the Raptors vice-chairman and general manager felt they’d accomplished their goal.