Kawhi Leonard got what he was looking for - a trade - but the All-Star forward doesn't appear to be happy with his destination. In fact, according to ESPN's Chris Haynes, Leonard "has no desire to play in Toronto."
The Spurs shipped Leonard to the Raptors, along with shooting guard Danny Green, in exchange for All-Star shooting guard DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a top-20 protected 2019 first round pick. Leonard, 27, has been eyeing a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, but it looks like he will have to wait until next summer when he can join LeBron James and co. as a free agent.
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As ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski explains, Raptors president Masai Ujiri took a major gamble in trading for Leonard. Woj writes:
"Ujiri is taking a significant risk in pursuing the trade. Ujiri will make the deal with a determination that he can sell Leonard on re-signing with the Raptors next summer in free agency, sources said. Toronto would be able to offer Leonard a five-year, $190 million contract next summer. If Leonard left the Raptors, he could sign a four-year, $141 million deal with a team with the available salary-cap space."
For what it's worth, DeMar DeRozan isn't too enthusiastic about the deal either. In a story posted on his Instagram page on Wednesday morning, DeRozan wrote, "Be told one thing & the outcome another. Can't trust em. Ain't no loyalty in this game. Sell you out quick for a little bit of nothing... Soon you'll understand... Don't disturb..."
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