IT HAPPENED. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that the LA Clippers and Raptors have both agreed to complete the trade, sending Kawhi Leonard to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and two second-rounders and that the sides will now schedule a trade call.
June 30 was when this deal was first agreed to, and now 76 days later and a million anxiety attacks for Raptors fans later, it’s nearly official.
Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto now forms the league's best defensive trio between him, Scottie Barnes, and Collin Murray-Boyles. It gives the Raptors the No. 1 scoring option they were missing and finally allows Leonard to get into the building with the team. Most importantly, it solidifies Toronto as one of the biggest threats in the Eastern Conference.
With the trade now being made official by the league shortly, it’s important to look at what’s next for the Raptors with training camp around two weeks away. Because this deal is a two-for-one trade, Toronto now has two open roster spots heading into camp.
So... what's next?
Toronto’s depth chart has two obvious weaknesses that were clear even when Gradey Dick and Brandon Ingram were still part of the team: the center and guard spots. Toronto does have a strong starter and backup at the point in Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead, and a quality starter and elite backup at the five in Jakob Poeltl and CMB. But outside of them they lack the depth that can help them survive injuries.
If Toronto does look to bring in another center, Nate Bittle is a real contender to get a roster spot. Bittle spent summer league with Toronto and is expected to join them at training camp. He was impressive in Las Vegas, averaging 9.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.8 blocks while shooting 43.8 percent from three on over four attempts per game. The upside he provides as a floor spacer and rim protector is definitely interesting.
Another name to keep an eye on as a potential third-string center is Drew Eubanks. The 29-year-old big spent last season in Sacramento and has been in the league for eight years. Eubanks is a solid glass cleaner and play finisher who is still unsigned and could get the interest of Bobby Webster.
If the Raptors front office decides to pick a different path and fill the void they have at their third guard spot, D’Angelo Russell is a name I would circle in red pen. DLo is expected to be waived by the Memphis Grizzlies as they finalize their roster and could be a good veteran shot creator and playmaker. With Quickley's absence exposing Toronto’s lack of guard depth in the playoffs last season, adding an experienced ball handler should be a top priority with the Leonard deal at the finish line.
While I would expect the Raptors to leave one roster spot open to have flexibility for trades or if someone is bought out mid-season, one of these spots has to be filled. And it appears that the logical next move is to sign a center or point guard once the league completes the Kawhi Leonard trade.
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