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Toronto Raptors: 3 reasons to make a trade approaching deadline

By Jonathan Turco

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 3: The Raptor gets fans going prior to action between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors in an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 3, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Raptors defeated the Clippers 121-103. NOTE TO USER: user expressly acknowledges and agrees by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Licence Agreement. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 3: The Raptor gets fans going prior to action between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors in an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 3, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Raptors defeated the Clippers 121-103. NOTE TO USER: user expressly acknowledges and agrees by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Licence Agreement. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images
Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images /

3. Kawhi Leonard’s uncertain future

It’s no secret before the Toronto Raptors acquired superstar Kawhi Leonard this past summer, his desire to leave the San Antonio Spurs was to play with a team in Los Angeles – near his native hometown, San Diego. To this date, his intentions could be the same or maybe Toronto, an afterthought until the trade, has become his new home. Either way, no one will know whether the All-Star chooses to remain a Raptor or sign elsewhere until after July 1 when free agency begins.

With that being said, the Raptors’ brain trust has to do everything in their power to win this year while they have the 27-year-old under roster control. President of basketball operations Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster have to make a decision regarding this roster. They have to find a balance in keeping their young core and veterans, or using a collection of them to improve the quality of the roster in support of showing Kawhi the team’s willingness to win from top to bottom.

The rumors of Anthony Davis wanting out of New Orleans Pelicans are well acknowledged by everyone not living under a rock. He is without a doubt the biggest superstar made available via trade since … well, Kawhi Leonard. Then this happened…

Las Vegas gave the Raptors higher odds to acquire him than quite a few prominent teams. The asking price for Davis would be extremely steep for Toronto, which would be detrimental to their young core and bench depth. For example:

And yet, getting Anthony Davis would tell Kawhi Leonard the team is in it to win it all, and having the two of them together as a potential core for the foreseeable future would be scary good.

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