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Toronto Raptors: Would Anthony Davis consider signing with the Raptors?

By Mark Birdsell

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 27: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 27, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 27: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 27, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 15: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans passes against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on November 15, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 15: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans passes against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on November 15, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

The History of the Franchise

Before we look to the future, it is important to reflect on how we got here. The belief over the years has been that stars don’t want to play in Toronto. Damon Stoudamire and Tracy McGrady both left in free agency. Vince Carter forced a trade to the New Jersey Nets. Chris Bosh decided to join forces with James and Dwyane Wade in South Beach.

When Masai Ujiri returned to Toronto in 2013, he was ready to start a complete rebuild after being hired as the Raptors’ General Manager. Ujiri wanted to build a team that was capable of competing for a championship. His first move was trading Andrea Bargnani to the New York Knicks. Then he sent Rudy Gay to the Sacramento Kings. Ujiri also had a trade in place, which would have sent Kyle Lowry to the Knicks. However, the Knicks’ owner, James Dolan, vetoed the trade.

The rest is history. Lowry remained in Toronto. He and DeMar DeRozan led the Raptors to their most successful stretch in franchise history. The team has three 50+ win seasons, four Atlantic division titles and one trip to the conference finals.

Despite the team’s success there was an end in sight. The Raptors had been unable to win in the playoffs. Ujiri gave the team’s core a three-year window. That window was set to close when free agency opened in 2020. Lowry, Serge Ibaka, CJ Miles and Jonas Valanciunas are all set to become free agents. However, if Ujiri can convince Leonard to stay in Toronto that window doesn’t have to close. The team can avoid a complete rebuild and retool instead.

It has taken Ujiri a long time to acquire a player with Leonard’s resume. It is rare for a top five player to become available. Ujiri took a calculated risk. Leonard is 27 years old. He is the type of foundational player that the Raptors can build a championship team around. Leonard is one of the best two-way players in the NBA. He is also a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and the 2014 Finals MVP.

The Raptors can offer Leonard a five-year, $190 million contract. No other team can offer him more than a four-year, $141 million contract. Ujiri will now have 12 months to sell Leonard on the organization and the city. It is unclear if Leonard will stay, but if he does the team has flexibility to add another high level player.