The final big domino of the NBA free agency has fallen. Kawhi Leonard not only won't be packing his bags for LA he will need to make sure he has his passport in order as he gets shipped off to Toronto. The San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors reached a deal that swapped two NBA stars and some complimentary pieces that should mark the last major move of the NBA off-season. Here is how the trade breaks down:
Kawhi Leonoard
Danny Green
DeMar DeRozan
Jakob Poeltl
Protected 2019 1st-round pick
On this surface this looks like a terrible deal for the Raptors. The organization is taking a major risk in potentially getting nothing out of this deal except a one year rental. It's essentially the Paul George play taken right out of the Oklahoma City Thunder playbook. The Raptors are hoping they can convince Kawhi to sign a long term deal with the team at the end of the season after being in his ear every day over the course of the upcoming year.
Let's face it the Toronto Raptors championship window had closed even with Lebron James leaving the Eastern Conference. The back court of Demar Derozan (28 years old) and Kyle Lowry (32 years old) had ran it's course and it was time to shake things up. A complete rebuild is in order so why not take a gamble with a disgruntled top 5 player in the NBA.
There is a good chance that the Raptors will have a good idea of where they stand before the February trade deadline. If they feel they have made no headway towards convincing Kawhi to sign a long term deal they can trade him away in attempt to get something in return.
A rebuild is the right play for the Raptors. After trading Demar there is only one player under contract for the Raptors beyond the 2019-2020 season. The upside of potentially having Kawhi lead your franchise for the next five years is worth the risk. You better believe Drake is already trying to be Leonard's new best friend and he will have his work cut out if he plans to convince him to stay after this season. Word on the street is Kawhi is not thrilled about his new home.
Players never really have to deal with the harsh reality that they are part of a business until they are traded. Apparently Demar Derozan was recently assured by the Raptors brass that he was not being included in any trade talks. Things clearly changed since that discussion.
Be told one thing & the outcome another. Can't trust em. Ain't no loyalty in this game. Sell you out quick for a little bit of nothing... Soon you'll understand... Don't disturb... - Demar Derozan
I would expect people to criticize his initial reaction over the coming days, but I personally appreciate an athletes transparency in situations like this. Ultimately, he finds himself in a tough situation as the Spurs franchise future is in limbo. In a Western Conference loaded with playoff caliber rosters the Spurs may find themselves on the outside looking in this year.
