Toronto is a long way from Los Angeles.
The Spurs and Raptors have agreed to a deal in principle that sends Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors in a package centered around star guard DeMar DeRozan, according to ESPN.com. Along with DeRozan, the Raptors are sending center Jakob Poeltl and a protected 2019 first-rounder to the Spurs for Leonard and swingman Danny Green. DeRozan has three years and over $83 million left on his contract.
Leonard, 27, has been trying to force his way out of San Antonio this entire offseason, but has no desire to play for the Raptors. That does not seem to bother Toronto, and a deal is expected to be done as soon as Wednesday, league sources told the website. Leonard is in the final year of his contract and it is widely known that his priority is to play in Los Angeles, preferably for the Lakers.
The Spurs and Lakers had extended talks for Leonard, but were unable to gain traction in negotiations. The 76ers were also considered a potential landing place.
The Raptors have been a perennial contender in the Eastern Conference, but have become known for their playoff failures. They could hope that a season in Toronto would alter Leonard’s opinion, similar to what happened with Paul George and the Thunder last season. George seemed destined to end up with the Lakers, but after one season with Russell Westbrook, he opted to re-sign with Oklahoma City this offseason.
Leonard only played nine games last season while dealing with a quadriceps injury that was a source of contention between Leonard’s camp and the Spurs.