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Predicting The Makeup Of The Toronto Raptors In 2021

By Gavin Axelrod

Toronto Raptors (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 30: Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) say hello following the game. Toronto Raptors vs Minnesota Timberwolves in 2nd half action of NBA regular season play at Air Canada Centre. Raptors win 109-104. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 30: Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) say hello following the game. Toronto Raptors vs Minnesota Timberwolves in 2nd half action of NBA regular season play at Air Canada Centre. Raptors win 109-104. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Bring on the new blood

The 2021-2022 Toronto Raptors are in a period of change. Toronto’s old core is being phased out while their new core is being phased in.

Kawhi Leonard is now the face of the franchise. Yes, you read that right Leonard stays in Toronto. Now you are probably wondering how that happened.

After a stellar 2018-2019 campaign Leonard fell in love with Toronto. He was an All-Star and averaged over 20 points, 6 rebounds per game. He would sign a four-year max extension at season’s end.

With Leonard leading the way the Raptors were able to remain competitive. “The Claw” also had backup.

As previously noted Jonas Valanciunas left Toronto in 2020. In a blockbuster move the Raptors would send their 2021 first round pick(top 5 protected), 2020 second round pick, 2023 second round pick, Norman Powell as well as, Jonas Valanciunas to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Andrew Wiggins and a 2022 second rounder.

Wiggins struggled to develop under coach Thibodeau in Minnesota. It became clear that a change of scenery would be best for both sides. While many teams were hesitant to acquire the rather average former first-overall pick, the Raptors went all in with their pursuit of “Maple Jordan.”

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