The Kawhi Leonard trade has finally been completed, but the LA Clippers and Toronto Raptors deal comes with an ironic twist. Following the NBA's punishment of the Clippers for salary cap violations, Kawhi was free to be traded, paving the way for the deal to be completed.
Yet, there was little movement on the previously agreed-upon trade between the Clippers and Raptors until yesterday. With the deal now done, both teams won't have to wait long to see their former players.
The two teams play next month on October 10th during the preseason. If that weren't enough, they also play a regular season game on November 2nd.
With so little time between their two meetings, it is anyone's guess how Kawhi will be received by both the Clippers and the Raptors.
The Kawhi Leonard trade delay could lead to an awkward situation
It isn't just Kawhi; Gradey Dick and Brandon Ingram were also both traded. Yet, both players will return to Canada on October 10th, soon after being traded by the Raptors.
It has to be an uncomfortable situation for all players involved. Then again, the situation was a result of both the Clippers' and Kawhi's wrongdoing. The Clippers wouldn't be in the situation if they hadn't committed salary cap circumvention.
They are their own worst enemy. It's classic Clippers. They can't seem to get out their own way. Now, they have not one but two clouds hanging over them. They havethe prospect of rebuilding without having five of their first-round picks.
They are also being investigated by the US Justice Department. As a result, the Clippers are in limbo. Toronto is in a better spot, but they are inheriting some baggage from Kawhi.
Wild Kawhi Leonard trade scenario pits Clippers and Raptors
Now, the Raptors finally have Kawhi, and while he will no doubt make their team better, he's a bit of a distraction. Remember, one of the reasons he didn't re-sign with the Raptors was because he was seeking extra compensation.
Seven years later, he's back, is 35 years old, and is under federal investigation. Welcome back! Make no mistake, he'll help the Raptors be a top 5 team in the Eastern Conference, but he's a diva. Still, he might be worth the drama.
The Raptors know that he will have to be coddled and probably need to miss 20-30 games a season. But for the 50-60 games he plays with Scottie Barnes and company, the Raptors will be among the best teams in the NBA.
We'll soon see that in action come preseason when the Raptors host the Clippers and during the regular season when LA hosts Toronto early on. That gives both teams an early chance to see their old players in action.
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