While nothing is set in stone yet, Adrian Wojnarowski's “Woj bombs” are often as good as it gets when it comes to trade rumors. And with his recent story on how a swap is being finalized between the Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs involving their respective stars DeMar DeRozan and Kawhi Leonard, it's not jumping the gun if we pencil that news as virtually a done deal.
According to the same sources by ESPN's Wojnarowski and Chris Haynes, both players are in the loop about the possible trade and are none too happy about it.
Leonard and DeRozan are both aware that an agreement could be imminent, and neither is expressing enthusiasm for the deal, league sources said.
Despite vehemently pushing for his exit out of San Antonio, Leonard's discontent with being shipped to Canada is somewhat understandable given his demand to play for a big market — the Los Angeles Lakers in particular. Which is why a gigantic “Buyers Beware” label accompany the swingman wherever he may land that's not adorned with Purple and Gold due to the looming threat that he will walk out the instant the 2018-19 season concludes.
Some trade partners are still holding out hope that they could convince Leonard to stay, however, since they could offer a substantial amount of money than any other team. But it would also help if they can create a winning culture overnight by making a strong push for the playoffs.
As for DeRozan, the 28-year-old has already embedded roots with the Canadian franchise that drafted him, helping steer the Raptors into relevancy in the post-Vince Carter (or Chris Bosh) era, earning All-Star honors and several playoff trips in his nine seasons.
The departure would certainly be bittersweet and may very well be tragic too, assuming that Leonard abandons the team in a year.
Follow Us
Subscribe