Fansided

Report: Spurs finalizing deal to send Leonard to Raptors

By Jason Klaer

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 10: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs goes to the basket against Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors on March 10, 2015 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by D. Clarke Evans/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 10: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs goes to the basket against Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors on March 10, 2015 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by D. Clarke Evans/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Following weeks of trade talks, the San Antonio Spurs are finalizing deal to send forward Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

As soon as Wednesday, Kawhi Leonard could call Ontario, Canada home. Although details are scarce, ESPN is reporting that All-Star DeMar DeRozan would be included in the package deal to the Spurs, sending Leonard to the Raptors. Reports also say both DeRozan and Leonard are aware the deal is “imminent” and that neither is enthusiastic about their new homes.

Several variations of a trade package have been discussed and the two franchises have reportedly been in trade conversations since the beginning of July. DeRozan still has three years and $83 million left on his current contract.

Wojnarnowski also reports DeRozan met with Toronto’s front office in Las Vegas about being on the trading block. DeRozan was told a trade was not likely. Which helps explain his apparent frustration with the deal and being sent off by the only NBA team he has ever played for.

Obviously, Toronto’s front office is taking a big gamble with this potential trade. Leonard has reportedly desired to be on the Lakers and could sign with Los Angeles in the summer of 2019. However, could a successful season up north change his mind? Toronto can offer the All-Star forward a five-year, $190 million dollar deal. On the flip side, a team with the available cap space could offer Leonard a four-year, $141 million contract.

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Adding to the already thick plot is a possibility of DeRozan heading west. Looking back, DeRozan is on a three-year deal. But, he has an early termination option for 2020-21. Could the pair team up in L.A.? Both are Southern California natives who have expressed playing back home.

This deal is not yet official but it certainly seems to be heading that way. Leonard’s presence in the Eastern Conference certainly shifts the landscape. In addition, a strong Atlantic Division will pace the rest of the field.

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