The Raptors and Spurs have engaged in one of the most stunning trades in recent NBA history. The Raptors received Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a 2019 1st round pick. It’ll be sad to see one of the greatest Raptors of all time to leave, as well as Poeltl. This, however, was a deal that had to be made.
The trade is a gamble, but it’s the biggest acquisition in Raptors history and it makes their intentions very clear. The Toronto Raptors are here to play ball with the elite teams in the NBA.
Masai Ujiri wouldn’t make this trade if he had no chance to re-sign Kawhi Leonard. Reports are stating that Kawhi had no desire to play in Toronto, but neither did Kyle Lowry.
The Raptors have some of the most devoted and appreciative fans in the NBA, and the opportunity to build something special should be an important factor for Leonard. He’s with a contender once again, in a less daunting conference.
However, if Leonard decides not to resign at the end of the season, alarm bells should not be raised. Kawhi not re-signing means the Raptors have a spare $18m in cap room. Add on another $10m if they choose not to resign Danny Green. This gives Toronto two options: they can chase after a coveted free agent from the much-anticipated class of 2019 or, begin the rebuild.
A rebuild was talked about in great detail this season, with Casey being fired et al. Lowry and Ibaka will both have a year left on their deals, respectively and the spare cap room can be used to take on some bad contracts.
Ujiri is hoping to follow the Sam Presti-Oklahoma City-Paul George model. When the Thunder made a similar play for George a year ago, it seemed obvious the pending free agent would use Oklahoma as a stop-gap, before returning home to play in Los Angeles for the Lakers.
So my opinion is WIN WIN for Toronto Raptors. If Kawhi will stay , he defo one of the best NBA players. If he will decide to leave next year, wll Raptors will have enough money for other players. And DeRozan is good player, but i'm not surea about he's allstar level, and we saw few season's that he is struggling in playoffs.
