The Raptors have finalized a trade deal to send DeRozan to the Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard. But, that will be a 1-year rent and after that Kawhi Leonard will probably sign for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Also, an injured Kawhi Leonard which we haven’t seen play for a year for an All-star caliber player is a risky move. Now that they’re sending out DeRozan, they may be stuck with future plans because Kawhi isn’t interested long-term and plans to make moves in free agency next season.
Kawhi Leonard Will Not Resign With The Raptors
Although this may seem like a good deal to have talent like Kawhi in their roster, Leonard has no intention to commit to Toronto long-term, league sources said. Leonard has been clear that he plans to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency next summer. Kawhi may be only a one year rental for Toronto but it could be the edge raptors need to reach the finals.
Kawhi Leonard has no desire to play in Toronto, league source tells ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 18, 2018
DeMar DeRozan Is Unhappy To Be A Spur
DeRozan also has expressed displeasure toward a possible move, becoming aware of the possibility late Tuesday night, league sources said. He has also made several frustrated posts on his Instagram story which seems to be related to the unloyalty of Raptors to let him go like this.
DeMar Derozan’s Instagram Story is interesting pic.twitter.com/8iFzVIkiDa
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 18, 2018
He could also be a problem within the Spurs lineup as Gregg Popovich’s playstyle revolves around good ball movement and the ability to stretch the floor. Popovich will have a problem to adjust him in the starting lineup because he and Aldridge are both ISO players which would disrupt the movement and clog up the offense.
DeRozan was deemed to be loyal in 2016 when he signed a five-year, $139 million contract extension. It seems that Ujiri wants to clear DeRozan’s salary for the next year and make some moves next summer. Kawhi is only under contract for two more seasons and owed $41.4 million, but has a player option for 2019-20 which he plans to head to LA Lakers next season.
DeRozan is in shock about this deal and is clearly furious with Toronto staff as they have communicated with him about this deal until Tuesday night. Raptors look to make a strong case for the finals next season and they see Kawhi Leonard a better option instead of their franchise superstar.
DeMar was one of the most loyal players in the NBA, he even took $14 million discount from the available max back in 2016 when he signed his 5-year contract so that the team had more cap flexibility to sign other players.
After Chris Bosh left Toronto and signed with the Miami Heat, DeRozan posted this on his Twitter profile:
Don't worry, I got us…
— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) June 29, 2010
