Spurs Trade Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors
Toronto Raptors agree in principal to acquire Kawhi Leonard for DeMar DeRozan in a package deal.
The long-waited departure of forward Kawhi Leonard has come to a close as the San Antonio Spurs have agreed to send him and guard Danny Green to the Toronto Raptors for guard DeMar DeRozan, forward Jakob Poeltl and a 2019 protected first-round pick.
From a overall team and pure basketball perspective, both organizations benefit. The Spurs get a proven four-time all-star to replace Kawhi; DeRozan is also a guaranteed 22-25 points a game type of player. The addition of DeRozan means the Spurs will remain competitive for the next few years as long as head coach Gregg Popovich is there.
The Raptors lose DeRozan, but gain a player when healthy is arguably a top five player. The Raptors, who had the best record in the East last season, were gunning at a ring, but it was cut short in the second round sweep by former Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James and company. Now, with the acquisition of Leonard on a one-year deal, the Raptors are pushing for a ring.
There has been speculation about where the two-time Defensive Player of the Year would go, even though he has voiced his desired destination is Los Angeles. So, seeing as he was traded Toronto and DeRozan was traded to the Spurs, neither of the marquee players in this exchange seem happy.
Kawhi Leonard has no desire to play in Toronto, league source tells ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 18, 2018
Leonard can bolt to Los Angeles as a unrestricted free agent after the 2018-2019 season. According to reports, the 28-year-old guard met with Raptor officials at Summer League in Las Vegas and was under the impression that he would not be traded. DeRozan wanted to be the best Raptor ever live and stayed while others bolted. After embracing Toronto and being loyal to the city for nine years, the LA native voiced his displeasure via social media.
Let's check in on DeMar DeRozan's Instagram Story right now: pic.twitter.com/frhH6YTiQS
— The Ringer (@ringer) July 18, 2018
Video Courtesy: ESPN
