Looks like the Toronto Raptors are scooping up Kawhi Leonard for next season after all. NBA insider and ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the San Antonio Spurs and Raptors have reached large trade package to send Kawhi and Danny Green in exchange for All-Star DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a protected 2019 first-round pick.
The 2019 first-rounder is protected 1 to 20, meaning if the pick falls within that range, the Raptors will keep it, and give the Spurs two second-rounders instead.
Wojnarowski reports that Toronto president Masai Ujiri told DeRozan about the decision late Tuesday night. As the news of the decision surfaces, DeRozan is allegedly upset by the trade, claiming he was lied to by the Raptors.
"Be told one thing & the outcome another. Can't trust em,” DeRozan wrote on his Instagram story. “Ain't no loyalty in this game. Sell you out quick for a little bit of nothing... Soon you'll understand... Don't disturb..."
The teams have been talking for two weeks, hashing out details of the All-Star trade. Last week Las Vegas odds dubbed Toronto the favorite in picking up the San Antonio player.
The deal is considered a bit risky, as Ujiri is banking on getting Leonard to re-sign with the Raptors next summer, even though Leonard plans to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency. Next year, Toronto could offer Leonard a five-year, $190 million contract. But he could also take a four-year, $141 million deal if he left for another team.
DeRozan currently has three years and $83 million left on his contract, with an option to terminate the deal early for the 2020-21 season.
Other players involved in the trade were informed Wednesday morning, and a call with the league is expected to finalize the decision later today.
