Former Utah Jazz guard Ochai Agbaji. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Jazz-Raptors trade brings former Kansas stars together as teammates

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 2/8/24

In 2022, Gradey Dick was preparing for his freshman year at the University of Kansas and discovered a note of encouragement from former Big 12 Player of the Year Ochai Agbaji, who played four seasons for the Jayhawks.

Now, the pair of guards will be calling each other teammates for the first time.

This is just one of *many* reasons this place is so special…@youngoch left a note and we—@gradey_dick x #kubball pic.twitter.com/osQxnF6yvg
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) June 4, 2022

Two years ago, Kansas University Freshman Gradey Dick discovered an inspirational note in his new dorm room from NBA player Ochai Agbaji.

It said, "Whoever takes over this room, be great."

Today, they became teammates on the Toronto Raptors.

❤️pic.twitter.com/7BAlLUhE2y
— Goodable (@Goodable) February 8, 2024

After one season with Kansas, Dick was selected 13th overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2023 NBA Draft.

The 20-year-old has averaged 4.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 14.5 minutes per game across 30 contests (one start) north of the border in his first taste of the NBA.

Agbaji was taken by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 14th overall selection in 2022 before being traded to the Utah Jazz in September of that year.

Agbaji was moved along with guard Collin Sexton, 2023 All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen and multiple draft picks in exchange for five-time All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell.

After posting 7.9 points in 59 games (22 starts) as a rookie, the 23-year-old has seen his scoring drop to 5.4 points per contest in 51 games (10 starts).

Agbaji was traded to the Raptors with big man Kelly Olynyk on Thursday in a deal that lands the Jazz point guard Kira Lewis Jr., veteran forward Otto Porter Jr. and a 2024 first-round pick.

With Toronto in 12th place in the Eastern Conference at 18-33, Dick and Agbaji likely won't be playing in any playoff-like atmospheres soon as they did with Kansas.

Head coach Darko Rajakovic should get plenty of chances over the final stretch of the season to put the two ex-Jayhawks on the floor together for the first time as teammates.

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