The Kawhi Leonard trade
Last but not least, the Spurs brought an end to the Kawhi Leonard saga by trading him to the Toronto Raptors for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a draft pick. This trade brought a quick end to the Kawhi era in San Antonio, but it also cemented the fact that the Spurs are looking to contend again next season.
The deal sent Danny Green and Leonard to Toronto in exchange for DeRozan, Poeltl and a protected 2019 first round draft pick. It was a surprising trade because Leonard had made it clear that he had no interest in playing for Toronto and DeRozan was the face of the franchise and a fan favorite.
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The deal makes a lot of sense for the San Antonio. Yes, the Spurs lost one of the best players in the league (when healthy) but they rid themselves of his drama and injury liability. DeRozan is also a player who makes perfect sense for the Spurs. He plays an old-school style of basketball and loves mid-range jump shots — a staple in San Antonio.
With Leonard gone and DeRozan slotting in as the new starting shooting guard, the Spurs now have a formidable roster that checks all the boxes. They have two All-Stars in DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge. They have outside shooting from Belinelli, Bertans, Forbes and a host of other role players. They have young up-and-coming talent in the form of Lonnie Walker and Chimezie Metu (and don’t sleep on Derrick White!) And last but not least, they have the best coach in the league.
It will be exciting to watch all these new pieces come together next season, with DeRozan as the new focal point on offense.
Grade: A-