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Toronto Raptors: Breaking down the Kawhi Leonard trade

By David Morassutti

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court during Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court during Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Raptors have agreed to a trade involving Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan as they look to take another shot at reaching the NBA Finals.

If there’s one thing Masai Ujiri and the Toronto Raptors proved with the Kawhi Leonard trade, they aren’t afraid to take a chance when an opportunity presents itself.

The deal has come with mixed reviews from the fanbase who are excited to see a player who has the pedigree as a top-five player in the league coming to Toronto. Then there’s the other side with those not happy to see a fan favourite in DeMar DeRozan going the other way.

As reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, both the Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs came to an agreement on a deal involving Leonard and DeRozan along with more pieces from both sides.

Looking at the trade, the Raptors fans should be glad that neither OG Anunoby or Pascal Siakam were included in a trade and the first round pick is well protected.

Obviously, there is the gamble that Ujiri is taking on Leonard with reports suggesting that he doesn’t want to play in Toronto. Unfortunately, Leonard doesn’t have many options considering he didn’t want to return to San Antonio and no other team made a serious attempt to trade for him.

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What they also get in Danny Green brings is a player that is capable of shooting almost 40 per cent from three and a capable defender which is another bonus off the bench.

It was also reported that DeRozan met with Ujiri and was told that he would not be traded by the team. Now if that is the case then it’s an unfortunate situation that the Raptors are going to have to sort out especially with his teammates.

Right now, the team has to get Leonard on board for this season but it is tough to see him not wanting to play considering he is eligible for free agency next year.

It is not every day that the Raptors get a player like Leonard and if everything works out he might decide to stay or at least it helps convince the rest of the NBA that a star can play in Toronto. Or Leonard might still be set on moving on to Los Angeles but at Toronto gains cap space to make moves going forward.

Next: Fred VanVleet bets on himself with short-term deal

What do you think about the trade? Is it worth the risk for the Raptors? Let us know in the comments below. 

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