What’s up basketball fans? I am here again @dwin0603 to give you another exciting NBA discussion for today's episode of NBA Talk, and tonight, we will talk about a trade between the Raptors and the Thunder that almost happened. The Raptors almost traded DeRozan to Paul George before acquiring Kawhi Leonard from the Spurs. Let’s begin!
It’s obvious that the Toronto Raptors risked their beloved superstar for probably a one-year rental for another superstar. The Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan swap is one of the biggest news last summer as the two superstars swap teams. The Raptors were not promised by Leonard that he will remain with them in the future and that means that they could’ve traded DeMar for nothing. If they don’t win a championship now or even get to the Finals, it’s said that it will be a big effect in Leonard’s decision after this season. So, the Raptors might make the biggest mistake in their franchise.
Anyway, the Raptors already did it and they are just hoping now that Kawhi stay with them next season or it would be a big disaster instead of the huge gain they are hoping to get. As of now, the Raptors are getting the best out of Kawhi as he is having an MVP caliber season and leading the Raptors to the top of the Eastern Conference. So basically, their hopes are still high right now.
But despite all of that, did you know that the Raptors almost traded DeRozan for PG13? Yes, that is true because according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, that trade scenario almost pulls through when the Raptors calls OKC and offer DeRozan for PG13 before last summer. According to reports, it’s said that it happened in December as Raptors’ President Masai Ujiri was so desperate to have huge changes in their roster because he wants to win a championship. Ever since he took over as president, the Raptors are good year after year but still hasn’t reach the Finals. And his desire to win a championship forced him to trade DeMar. Last season, he called OKC and offer a DeRozan-George trade but the Oklahoma City Thunder turned down the offer because they are confident that George will stay with then the following season which eventually happens as George signed a huge contract extension with the Thunder.
However, even if the Raptors failed to acquire George, it’s still a jackpot to get Kawhi Leonard. Look at them now. The Raptors are really the best team in the East and really looks like a legit championship contender that has a chance to beat Golden State. But that jackpot will only be complete if Kawhi decided to stay with them in the future.
That is all for today folks! What do you think? What if that trade happened? What’s your take? Let me hear your opinions so drop your comments now and let’s have some basketball talk! 😊
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