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The San Antonio Spurs and the Toronto Raptors are "close to an agreement" that would send striker Kawhi Leonard north of the border for four reports DeMar DeRozan, ESPN Adrian Wojnarowki . Trade is "imminent", according to Wojnarowski.
Leonard, however, has no "desire to play in Toronto", Chris Haynes reports of ESPN.
Although the Boston Celtics made calls to San Antonio about Leonard, there is no indication that the team got any traction in the negotiations. The Celtics have been reluctant to part with one of their most notable players (including Al Horford, Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown). The Philadelphia 76ers – who, like the Celtics, are a young team that would rank in the top two of the Eastern Conference next season – have led similar negotiations.
If Leonard finds himself in Toronto, who finished the regular season with the best record of the conference, the two best teams in the East are not so clear.
To treat Leonard for DeRozan, right now, would not work with money. Leonard is expected to earn $ 20.1 million next season before becoming a free agent next summer. Several reports indicate that he would prefer to head to Los Angeles Lakers. There is no non-exchange clause, although it is not free when it will reach the free market in 2019. DeRozan, meanwhile, is expected to earn $ 27.7 million in each of the next three seasons. The last year of his contract is a player option
The Spurs could include the great veteran man Pau Gasol and the Raptors could throw a few extra bucks (like the veteran wing CJ Miles) to make it work. case. Toronto may include intriguing next wing O.G. second year. Anunoby, who has just played a leading role in a 59-win campaign, has made Leonard's package more appealing. Raptors may also include draft picks. The Raptors have won at least 48 games five seasons in a row, or 50 games in each of the last three meetings, but they have not played so impressively in the playoffs. , despite reaching the finals of the East Conference 2016. The acquisition of Leonard would not only refurbish a team identity that had previously been focused on DeRozan and the leader of star play four times Kyle Lowry; he could also restore Toronto among the best teams in the East. The Raptors broke away from head coach Dwane Casey and hired former badistant Nick Nurse shortly after the end of their season.
The Spurs, on the other hand, appreciate mid-range shooting more than the most successful organizations. DeRozan, who would team up with All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge, is one of the league's best goalkeepers.
Leonard, who won the NBA finals in 2014 and won two defensive player awards of the year. He missed all games nine times last season because of a leg injury and has not played since mid-January. He averaged 25.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 badists in his last health season, 2016-2017, when he finished third overall. DeRozan averaged 23.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.2 badists this season.
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Fred Katz covers the Celtics for MbadLive.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ FredKatz .
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