NBA: 5 takeaways from Kawhi Leonard-DeMar DeRozan trade

3. Does this move help the Raptors?

After two consecutive first round postseason exits back in 2014 and 2015, the Raptors have advanced to at least the second round of the playoffs in the last three seasons. This includes a conference finals appearance in 2016.

But with the Cavaliers standing in their way each time, the Raptors were never ever to get over the hump. With the addition of Leonard, the Raptors are getting a player who can get the job done at both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Danny Green is a legitimate outside threat, having converted 39.5 percent of his attempts from the beyond the arc during the course of his nine-year career.

The centerpiece of the deal is obviously Leonard, and rumor has it that the Raptors weren’t confident about their chances of beating out the Boston Celtics for the top spot in the Eastern Conference prior this trade.

Is Leonard considered a top-five player, when healthy? Yes.

On the flip side of the narrative, it is uncertain as to how many games he will be able to play next season. Even if he plays in all 82 games – which is a big IF by the way – the Raptors may not be better than the Celtics, or even the Philadelphia 76ers if both of those ball clubs are at full strength.

This basically means the Raptors may have dealt away their best player in exchange for a one-year rental that may not be capable of getting them over the hump and into the NBA Finals.