For the Toronto Raptors, acquiring Kawhi Leonard in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers in the offseason gave them a clear shot at becoming contenders again. Unfortunately, reports regarding the ongoing investigation into Leonard’s contract scandal have put a damper on these dealings.
The trade itself is yet to be finalized, an obvious consequence of the current situation. While there has been an indication that both parties were aware of the circumstances surrounding the transaction, a recent update by the Toronto Star’s Doug Smith suggests otherwise.
According to Smith, the Raptors supposedly paused the deals when they were asked to officially bear the risks of any subsequent penalties resulting from the investigation. He wrote:
“The tipping point to put on hold the trade of Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors came when it was time for Toronto to officially sign off on the conditions of the deal. According to multiple NBA sources, when the Raptors had to commit in writing to assume any risk of any penalties Leonard might incur from an investigation into his Los Angeles Clippers contract, they decided to pause on the transaction.”
As mentioned earlier, the Raptors were aware that they would have to shoulder any potential penalties. On that note, Smith added:
“The sources said here Tuesday that the Raptors, knowing they might be on the hook for future penalties, was one thing; having to sign off on formal conditions was enough to make Toronto decide to “just wait” until the probe is completed.”
To some extent, the Raptors’ concerns are justified. If reports are to be believed, in the worst-case scenario, Kawhi Leonard’s contract could be voided, and the superstar could also face an extended suspension.
For Toronto, taking on such a risk officially may be too much of a commitment. But is waiting to see how things play out really in their best interests?
The Raptors Don’t Mind Waiting For Kawhi Leonard
Acquiring a player like Kawhi Leonard would dramatically alter Toronto’s status in the East. When factoring in his stats (27.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.9 SPG) and the fact that he finished sixth in MVP voting last season, Leonard is more than capable of taking the Raptors to the next level.
By virtue of what he brings to the table, it could be argued that the Raptors may be sabotaging the deal by being non-committal. In reality, however, they may have no reason to display any urgency. According to the Toronto Star’s Doug Smith, Toronto is more than willing to be patient in dealings involving Kawhi Leonard.
“The Raptors don’t seem overly concerned at the pace of the process, and sources insist they think the deal, as proposed, will be consummated,” Smith mentioned. “And, in truth, it’s not like the Raptors have a lot of reason to rush it. The way the summer player market has unfolded, the team’s salary cap situation, and the kind of free agents still available, there are no other major deals to make.”
As Smith noted, the Raptors are in a unique position regardless of how things play out. Although they currently have a total payroll of $203.2 million ($5.8 million below the first apron), if Leonard’s $50.3 million contract is voided, Toronto would have an incredible amount of money at its disposal. This would allow them to make meaningful additions in the summer.
Naturally, losing out on a player like Kawhi Leonard isn’t in Toronto’s best interests from a roster perspective. Given the quality of players available on the market, the Raptors may not see much benefit in finding a replacement either.
Hence, in the current scenario, waiting to see how things play out seems to be the only viable course of action.
