What to know
- Kawhi Leonard is officially returning to Toronto, with the Raptors acquiring the star forward from the LA Clippers in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two future first-round picks, a first-round pick swap, and two future second-round picks.
- The trade is bringing back memories of 2019, when Leonard helped lead the Raptors to their first NBA championship. Raptors GM Bobby Webster said his leadership, experience, and championship mindset could help the team chase another title.
- Sports expert Sunny Pathak believes the move could make Toronto a contender, pointing to Leonard’s defensive ability and potential chemistry with Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles. He also said Leonard’s return could be a major boost for the Raptors’ marketing and the city.
- Fans are excited but divided over the risk, with some saying giving up Ingram, Dick and multiple draft picks is worth it, while others worry about Leonard’s age and injury history. Now, fans will have to wait for the new season to see whether Toronto can recreate some of its 2019 magic.
Raptors fans’ call for forward Kawhi Leonard’s return has finally been answered, after the Canadian team announced they acquired the player following a massive trade with the LA Clippers.
In an announcement on Monday, the Toronto Raptors said they brought back Kawhi in exchange for forward Brandon Ingram and guard-forward Gradey Dick, plus two future first-round draft picks, one future first-round pick swap, and two future second-round picks.
The massive shift comes with hopes to reignite the same momentum Leonard brought to the team in 2019, during the championship playoffs.
Raptors general manager and executive vice-president Bobby Webster wrote that the team was “thrilled” to welcome Leonard back.
“His impact on our organization, our city, and our country is undeniable, and he embodies the competitiveness and championship mindset that we value,” he said. “We believe his leadership, experience, and talent will help us as we continue building toward our next championship.”
The trade also means losing two of Toronto’s own players, with Ingram having averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 33.8 minutes in 77 games with the Raptors last season, and Dick having averaged 9.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 20.6 minutes in 190 career games with the Raptors.
“We also want to thank Brandon and Gradey and appreciate their work ethic, character, and basketball excellence they brought to our team every day,” Webster added.
A sports expert weighs in
One Toronto-based sports fan and expert said the latest news began an exciting time for the city.
“…[He’s] arguably one of the top five, top 10 NBA players in the last NBA season,” President and CEO of NewPath Sports & Entertainment Inc. Sunny Pathak told Now Toronto. “Kawhi returns to Toronto with an incredible cast of characters and talent and young talent that he can help grow and foster.”
Pathak said there may be a possibility of another 2019-style team, with some synergy among the players.
Ultimately, this means having a G.O.A.T. player back in the city.
“The most important thing is Kawhi Leonard gets to come back and play in the traditional red and purple of the Toronto Raptors and give fans something to be excited for in the upcoming NBA season,” Pathak said.
With a big trade can come criticism, with some conversations online outlining that the trade is very high risk, especially as Leonard ages and becomes at risk for injuries.
Despite this, Pathak said that the trade was needed for the teams involved.
“At the end of the day, a trade was made between two parties and two teams that recognized that there was a deficiency in assets,” Pathak explained. “…The reality is that they’re getting a top-tier NBA player to play alongside great NBA talent, and the ability for Kawhi to cultivate the next generation of Toronto Raptors players on this team is incredibly apparent.”
Some also said they believed it was a good move, noting both Ingram and Dick were not finding their footing on the team.
“We saw two NBA basketball players that somehow could not find their space within this basketball team,” Pathak said. “…This team is built on being very offensive-minded, with a great heart of defense. Kawhi Leonard, a fantastic defensive player, alongside Scotty Barnes and [Collin Murray-Boyles] will create a very strong anchor.”
Pathak added that Ingram and Dick weren’t able to fit that offensive play style.
“Those players that left the team unfortunately didn’t fit into that mechanism that the coach and the front office were building,” he said. “Again, one team doesn’t want you; it just means one other team needs you, and that’s the trade that I think we have to look at here.”
All in all, Pathak said he believes Toronto is in for a fantastic year, from both a performance and marketing standpoint.
“The chance to have Kawhi integrated into marketing components for the team, chance to be realigned with 2019 NBA champion and greatest Raptor of all time, Kyle Lowry shows you just how magical the sports world works,” he said.
“They have the ability to contend for the Eastern Conference title; there’s a lot to be excited for. We can’t wait for the NBA season to start.”
Fan reaction
The long-awaited move also had fans sharing with Now Toronto that they looked forward to the coming season.
“I’m so excited,” one Torontonian said. “Does that mean we’re gonna win another championship? Let’s do it!”
“He shouldn’t have left,” one Raptors fan, Daniel, said. “…I am very excited that he’s coming back. I think the Raptors have a great team, and I think him returning is going to really do good for the Raptors team, but also the city of Toronto.”
Simon, another fan in Toronto, said the trade was bittersweet.
“Sad to be giving up some of our first-round picks, but I think he’s a good player and you got to overpay a little bit to get those guys, so I think it’s going to be worth it,” he said.
Along with the trade, the loss of two players didn’t seem to faze fans who spoke with Now Toronto too much.
“It is 1,000 per cent worth it,” Daniel said. “Ingram was non-existent last year in the playoffs. I would have shifted some people in Toronto as well to bring Kawhi back.”
“I think Dick wasn’t doing as much as he could have been, and Ingram’s role is kind of being replaced and upgraded with Kawhi,” Simon said.
However, one fan agreed with the online discourse on Leonard’s age.
“He’s too old, and we don’t have enough good players as we had before, so… we are happy to see him, and that’s it,” he said.
Still, Toronto fans will have to wait for the new season to see if the synergy between Leonard, Barnes, and Murray-Boyles will be enough to clinch another championship title.
