The San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors have engaged in a trade involving their star players in what has been an offseason filled with surprising trades and acquisitions all throughout the NBA.

The San Antonio Spurs traded Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green to the Toronto Raptors for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a potential 1st round pick in the 2019 draft according to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report.

Leonard, known for his intense defense and ability to facilitate the offense with his post and perimeter game, along with Green, known for his consistent shooting outside of the arc, were both integral to the Spurs' championship run in the 2014 season. Leonard ultimately earned the Finals MVP, proving himself to be a rising leader.

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Without a doubt, Kawhi Leonard contributed much to the Spurs organization throughout the years, as he has developed into the fearless competitor that the NBA fans and players have witnessed. As a result, the Spurs recognized Leonard for his hard work in an Instagram post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlYRc5KFIiv/

However, San Antonio is also gaining one of the most exciting and athletic players the NBA has to offer in DeMar DeRozan. With his epic dunks and his shooting game expanding beyond the three point line, DeRozan has potential to lead the Spurs in a much different way than Leonard did.

It is difficult to determine which team won this trade, but with this upcoming 2018-2019 season approaching, both superstars will have to step up and take a leadership role on their respective teams in order to compete with the talent various NBA teams have accumulated.