If you think about it, it's really an amazing story and just a wonderful 1 shot wonder and 1 in a million odds that a star like him would be available for a year rental and get you a title, but he did and the Raptors as an organisation and team definitely earned it. They won as a team, hard work by Masai and gutsy move to trade for him, but the story will always be remembered as Kawhi bringing a title to Toronto. It will really be interesting going forward, if wherever Kawhi goes he wins and how Raptors will be after his departure. Has it actually happened before, winning a title in the 1st season after trading for a star without a clear alpha on the team prior? And then leaving soon after or maybe even the year after? Whatever the case may be, we should appreciate how they took down the Warriors. Canada and Toronto have something they can be proud as the team was easy to root for with some hard working youngsters, an established franchise player in Lowry who was a bulldog, Ibaka and Gasol as the veterans who lead by example, Danny Green the ice cold shooter when it matters most and a star who made the best of his 1 year there. Hope there's no hard feelings, Kawhi wanted to be in LA and Toronto got that title the "right way" and it's all a story that should not leave a bad taste in anyone's mouth. Instead, should be enough for years to come to look back on with some form of pride and adoration, love and happiness as the Raptors try to get a next one. Anything's possible in the East too next year, so with Masai there, they might make a trade in the near future and get back to the Finals soon with a shot at the title. It probably feels pretty bad right now for Raptors fans, so soon after winning the title. I can understand if it's hard to fully enjoy it now, you at least want to have a full year with the same team to be there on opening night, get rings and defend it. All in all, a very unique story that probably will get a book in the next few years
Sure. Tell Kyle that they’re going to trade for a self-absorbed guy that plays his position and isn’t remotely like Mr Leonard. That sounds like a terrible idea to me. I don’t have a good idea, though.
Damn, over the cap already? They need a SG, that's for sure. Can we trade EGO there? Lowry / FVV Thomas / ? OG Anunoby / McCaw Siakam / Powell Gasol / Ibaka
They can still win 45-50 games this year and make the playoffs. It’s all on hoping Siakum keeps getting better.
I think Milwaukee "runs it back" and get to the Finals this year, despite losing Brogdon. Hopefully Middleton hasn't peaked.
They aren't winning a title this season, they can still be very good though. Maybe even win the east with a few moves, nobody out there is scary. But their payroll beyond this season is basically empty.
How was it a gutsy trade? They got kawhi for literally less then nothing. The derozen contract was worth around -3 first rounders, and they not only dumped it but got Kawhi. It took unconscionable stupidity from the spurs to even make that title possible.
