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Toronto raptors receive: Anthony Davis
The pelicans of New Orleans receive: OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Serge Ibaka, choice of first round 2021 (protection among the top three)
When it happens: The night of the draft or after, if and when Kawhi Leonard (player's option) agrees to stay in Toronto.
The Raptors are an enticing destination for Davis as they are ready to enter the race. They might not be.
Kawhi Leonard has to stay with them to make this bet, and his return is far from over. Few people claim to know what it looks like, and those who do not hesitate to predict a rapprochement with the Los Angeles Clippers.
"I still think he's coming to LA," said Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com on ESPN Los Angeles (via NBA writer). Tomer Azarly). "I think the Clippers are in the driver's seat, I've been thinking about it for a long time just because it seems like a guy who wants his own team."
Feelings can change. Most importantly, bird's eye views can be false. Leonard has just hit the biggest blow in the history of the Raptors franchise – and one of the biggest winners of NBA games of all time. Toronto is his team and he has won four times in an NBA finals.
Basketball situations do not improve much. The Raptors would still promise one of the best win-win situations even if they battled the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference finals. Unless you team up with another Clippers superstar, he will not find a more direct line to a title. And even that might exaggerate L.A.'s appeal.
After Davis is a selling point for Leonard in itself. Raptors can not fly over the moon without a guarantee that it will come back, but both parties can hear: Get Davis, and Leonard stays on the spot. Leonard could sign again regardless of Toronto's interest in Davis. The Raptors are so good and the team's chairman, Masai Ujiri, may consider a potential exchange with Davis as a further pursuit of Leonard's commitment.
Few contenders can beat this package. The Raptors themselves will be reluctant to pull the trigger if they end up winning the title. Pascal Siakam is a favorite of the most improved players and a real building block.
It will not be a surprise if he gets involved in the 25 most important debates over the next five years. He can defend almost any position and he is more than a third wheel in attack. He can lead quick breaks, start pick-and-roll and even create his own shot in the half-court without using a screen.
Davis is even better. Siakam deserves to be treated if it means keeping it in the long run. A duo Leonard-Davis, with Kyle Lowry and Marc Gasol (player's option), would make Toronto the alpha of the Eastern Conference next season – and perhaps the title's favorite if Durant was leaving the Golden State Warriors.
Neither the Knicks nor the Lakers will beat this offer. The Celtics can, but Siakam is the best individual player that Pelicans can receive before next season. Jayson Tatum has the tools to eventually overtake him. For now, Siakam has the advantage.
Getting OG Anunoby, who is still two years old on his large-scale contract, and the expiring agreement of Serge Ibaka would be a victory for the Pelicans. This return would allow them to rebuild without having to sink. Anunoby, Ibaka, Siakam, Jrue Holiday and E & # 39; Twaun Moore will not win any championships, but New Orleans will remain competitive and retain its lean roadmap for free will.
Unless otherwise noted, statistics are courtesy of NBA.com, Basketball Reference or Clean Glass. Information on salaries and holdings via Basketball Insiders and RealGM.
Dan Favale covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter (@danfavale) and listen to her Hardwood shots podcast, co-hosted by Andrew Bailey of B / R.
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