There have been several major transactions this offseason. From Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded to the Heat to Jaylen Brown being moved to the 76ers, this offseason has witnessed considerable trade activity. Among these, however, the Toronto Raptors‘ reunion with Kawhi Leonard is particularly noteworthy.
In a surprising move, the Raptors acquired Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and draft compensation. Although this move hinted at a fresh start for both franchises, the ongoing investigation into Leonard’s salary cap scandal halted proceedings.
For the most part, this would raise concerns, as the trade could still be voided. However, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes, both the Raptors and the Clippers are confident that the trade will be finalized and are operating with the same outlook. He reported:
“They [the Raptors] were not aware that the trade would be halted. They understood that the investigation is ongoing… The investigation has been ongoing for a while, and yet, they still don’t have a ‘smoking gun’. So, a team like the Toronto Raptors was very comfortable in trying to trade and acquire Kawhi Leonard because they believed the same thing that if there were really something that would more than stick, it would have come already.”
“I do believe that the deal will ultimately go through. I don’t know what the NBA, with their independent investigation, are going to find…Â But the Raptors, they were very comfortable in making this deal, but they did not know that the league was going to put a halt on the trade. But still, I talked to both sides, and both sides still feel like this thing will be resolved, a trade will occur.”
Chris Haynes also noted that both Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick were in attendance for the Los Angeles Clippers‘ Summer League games in Las Vegas and were even sitting on the Clippers’ bench as if they were already a part of the team. Although this could be put down to optics, it is quite reassuring.
The Raptors have also been operating as if the trade has been finalized, with Kawhi Leonard being a part of the team’s social events.
At Kyle Lowry‘s retirement press conference, the former Raptors guard confidently stated that the team’s goal after acquiring Leonard was to win a championship, highlighting Toronto’s faith in the transaction going through. To that point, Raptors star Scottie Barnes has also been vocal about the trade, noting how the move could put the league on notice.
Although the Clippers do stand to benefit from this deal, it is safe to say that the Raptors gained a lot more. With Kawhi Leonard’s addition, Toronto is effectively a title contender in the East again.
Despite being 35, Leonard is coming off one of his best individual seasons in a long time. Having averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 50.5% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range, Leonard even finished seventh in MVP voting, emphasizing how dominant he was.
Once Leonard’s move to Toronto is finalized, the Raptors will undoubtedly look threatening. While there still appear to be some obstacles in the way, there seem to be enough reasons for both teams to be optimistic about the deal going through.
