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Fansided

Raptors complete biggest trade since Vince’s departure – who won the deal?

By Brian Boake

SAN ANTONIO,TX - MARCH 17 : LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs and Kawhi Leonard #2(in street clothes) of the San Antonio Spurs share a laugh in closing minute of game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at AT&T Center on March 17, 2018 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO,TX - MARCH 17 : LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs and Kawhi Leonard #2(in street clothes) of the San Antonio Spurs share a laugh in closing minute of game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at AT&T Center on March 17, 2018 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /
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MAY 8 – Toronto Raptors DeMar DeRozan talks to the media during a season ending availability at the BioSteel Centre, Toronto. The Raptors ended their season, losing in a four game sweep to the Cleveland Cavaliers. May 8, 2018 Bernard Weil/Toronto Star (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
MAY 8 – Toronto Raptors DeMar DeRozan talks to the media during a season ending availability at the BioSteel Centre, Toronto. The Raptors ended their season, losing in a four game sweep to the Cleveland Cavaliers. May 8, 2018 Bernard Weil/Toronto Star (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

An enormous can of worms

I understand Masai’s determination to shake up the Raptors. Is it too strong to offer the thought that he was traumatised by yet another playoff defeat at the hands of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers? Clearly he decided he couldn’t roll out the same ol’ gang again next season. Dwane Casey was axed, and now DeRozan is gone, with Poeltl becoming collateral damage.

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There are so many “ifs” surrounding Kawhi Leonard, I’m pained to list them. The only way this trade impacts the Raptors positively during next and subsequent seasons is if all the “ifs” work out:

  • IF Leonard is truly recovered from his lingering quadriceps injury
  • IF he decides he can’t afford to sit out the season
  • IF he re-signs with the Raptors next summer

Man, those are big asks. While a number of analysts are applauding Masai for his giant gamble, I’m compelled to point out there’s a thin line between bravery and foolhardiness. I think Masai has leapt over that line, to the detriment of the team.

I hope I’m wrong when I say this trade could backfire as much as Vince’s deal did. If it does, Masai won’t survive as Raptors President.

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