Lakers And Sixers Back Off
Mia Russell As the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers appear to back out, the Toronto Raptors are emerging as the only team left in the Kawhi Leonard trade sweepstakes.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst made an appearance on The Lowe Post podcast, where he speculated the Lakers and 76ers could be thinking twice about the idea of trading for Kawhi Leonard. Should they bow out, it would clear the road for the Raptors to make a bid and likely become the favorites to acquire Leonard before the start of next season. He said:
"I think [the Raptors are] in the driver's seat for Kawhi because I think the Lakers have given up, the Sixers have given up. And with the Nets, Bulls and Hawks spending their cap space, it makes it harder to assemble a multi-team trade. I think the Raptors are in the driver's seat."
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It is understandable as to why the Raptors would have interest in Leonard's services. One year of Leonard with the club would make the team contenders in the Eastern Conference, all while shifting focus on their coaching changes this summer. The Raptors have been a good regular season team but often failed in the postseason. Leonard — arguably the best defensive scorer in the NBA — could help them there.
The question becomes, what can the Raptors afford to give up knowing the odds are Leonard is merely a one-year rental? Especially since they know Leonard may eventually wind up in LA? Would the team be willing to move DeMar DeRozan or Kyle Lowry? Would the Spurs feel that's a fair return? It's also questionable that the Raptors could add the right combination of draft picks as their standing as one of the team's best in the Eastern Conference would make those draft picks less valuable.
Of course, this is all assuming Leonard is healthy, a certainty no one really seems to know.
If the Lakers and 76ers are pulling out because of money, health concerns, or the cost of acquisition, perhaps it's best not to be the only one left standing in the fight. The Raptors may be emerging as the favorites, but a debate will arise as to whether or not that's actually the right move for the team.
