The Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs were involved in a mega trade of this offseason, as former Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard moved across the border to join the Raptors. It was news that shook the NBA world, as Leonard finally forced his way out of San Antonio following a roller-coaster final twelve months with the franchise.

In exchange for Leonard, the Raptors sent all-star shooting guard DeMar DeRozan to Texas, as the Spurs tried to maximize what they could for the disgruntled swingman with his trade value dropping by the day.

The two all-stars were the main centerpieces in the deal, but the Raptors also snared an underrated piece in the trade — versatile guard Danny Green. The 31-year-old out of North Carolina had been a steady servant for the Spurs, and was an unsung hero during their title run in 2014 against the Miami Heat. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was a big fan of Green and gave him an opportunity when he was struggling to find a home in the league. He has since grown his reputation as a reliable role player, and the Raptors got a good one in obtaining his services.

Recently, Green spoke on his Inside The Green Room Podcast to discuss his expectations with his new ballclub for the upcoming season.

“We want to win at least 55/60 games and be in the Eastern Conference Finals…AT LEAST!”

The Raptors have undergone a big change this offseason, saying goodbye to 2017-18 Coach of the Year Dwayne Casey and shipping off their best player for Leonard. With this transformation, the front office hopes it can trigger a cultural revolution in the playing group, who have crumbled under the brightest lights at the most important time of the year far too often in recent seasons.

Green will likely slide into the starting shooting guard position as a nice compliment to all-star Kyle Lowry in the backcourt. Leonard will start at the small forward position and continue to take on the toughest defensive assignment on a nightly basis.

With these additions, the Raptors remain one of the elite teams in the Eastern Conference and will look to make a run at a maiden NBA Finals appearance.