For the last several days it has been reported that Kawhi Leonard is being heavily pursued by the Toronto Raptors in exchange for DeMar DeRozan and assets. Although DeRozan is an All-Star in his own right, Leonard is a former defensive player of the year and one of the top 5 players in the league when healthy.
Leonard has been at odds with the Spurs since mid-season when it was reported that the two sides had differences of opinions regarding the handling of a quad injury suffered by Leonard during the season. DeRozan is a four-time All-Star who was recently told in June that he would not be traded but has since become available with the possibility of acquiring Leonard.
Toronto is taking a huge risk in the deal, giving up assets and an All-Star for Kawhi when he has expressed a strong desire to play in Los Angeles. He becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season and has maintained that he will return home to L.A. to play in the summer.
Per Bleacher Report at 8:24 am eastern time the trade for Kawhi has been finalized. It has been reported the deal is for DeRozan and players exchange on both sides. DeRozan was informed hours before the trade by Toronto GM Masai Ujiri.
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