Toronto, San Antonio talking Kawhi-DeRozan Swap (UPDATE: Done deal)

Eeyore makin a big mistake.

 

Obligatory:

 

this

 

Remember when people still wanted to believe kawhi would get exposed on his own team and that it was the spurs system that made him good.

 

The Spurs had no choice in the matter. Cant fault them for this trade.

 

Robertson revealed why it was time for Leonard to go elsewhere.

“I think it just became a lack of trust,” Robertson told Yahoo Sports. “They didn’t believe Kawhi couldn’t play and that caused a lack of trust in us and then us not believing in them. Any time a player says he’s not capable of playing, you should believe him. Why would Kawhi just stop playing all of a sudden? He’s a competitor. Sometimes you get these team doctors telling you what you can and cannot do, and Kawhi was just in too much pain to get out there. This was a serious issue. They didn’t believe him, and after that, the relationship couldn’t recover and we decided we had to move on.”

As reported at the time, Leonard originally wasn’t keen on relocating to Toronto, but Robertson explained Leonard’s thought process at the time.

“When you are initially traded somewhere you didn’t asked to be, you don’t want to accept it,” Robertson told Yahoo Sports. “But once you get through that period, the focus then turns to giving your all and performing at a high level. It never had anything to do with the city of Toronto. It wasn’t. Toronto is a beautiful city. Kawhi has often spoke highly of Toronto. It’s a beautiful place. That was just an initial reaction, which is normal. But we’re enjoying this run and looking forward to the Finals.”

“I can’t get into other free agents and other teams, but for Kawhi, he’s going to take it one day and one game at a time,” Robertson told Yahoo Sports. “We have a championship opportunity in front of us. We’re not thinking about free agency; it’s the Warriors [right now]. Once we get through the season, we’ll turn our attention to free agency. But we’re just having fun right now. This has been a great year.”

Leonard started favoring his right leg in the conference finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, with speculation that it could be the lingering quad issue that sidelined him for most of last year. Robertson wouldn’t divulge the nature of the injury, but acknowledged he’s dealing with something.

 

They could have gotten better value.

 

Why I wanted the Rockets to be involved in the trade for him when he was available.

1) Kawhi has the tools to be an All time great (offense + defense + clutch)
2) He is a generational type player
3) Players like him dont come often and when they do, you rarely get a chance to grab them.

Spurs absolutely goofed up with Kawhi. Thanks Tony Parker and your big mouth in sealing the deal for Kawhi having played his last game for the Spurs lol..

Spurs forums must be on suicide watch right now.

 

Would the Spurs have traded him to us though?

From what I remember they weren't really all that fond of trading him in conference, much less in state, it would have taken Harden to get that done and even if you consider Kawhi > Harden (which I think is fair to consider or accept) it would still just be a rental and a huge risk to take.

Raptors had that risk to take really, they weren't going anywhere with that core.

 

No, not for a one year rental. Not for a pouting player.

 

They would have most likely gotten better value from Boston or even Philly but they didnt even entertain their offer

 

On your point 3: thats false. 13 teams passed on him during draft day. They had their chance. I wouldnt call that rare at all if you get passed 13 times.

 

False. Boston or Philly were overvaluing their young players and werent even offering up enticing offers to SA. No Tatum. No Simmons. No Embiid. I bet these both teams regret that now.

 

I wasnt talking about the draft day.

He was available to be had via trade, which in itself was a huge opportunity.

Spurs messed up.

 

Spur traded Green + Kawhi for Derozan+ Poeltl +protected 2019 1st rnd pick

Do you think DeRozan and his $28m is worth as much as Tatum or Simmons and their rookie contracts?

Boston's initial offer was rumored to include practically all their acquired draft picks but Spurs didnt even make a counter offer. If Spurs had shown a willingness to entertain and negotiate with other teams, they would likely have gotten a lot more than DeRozan and a protected pick from an almost guaranteed playoff team like the Raptors. More so given how well Spurs tend to draft and develop players, those multiple picks wold have been more valuable.

I think Spurs didnt want to trade Kawhi to anywhere he could have wanted or a potential championship team where his addition would take them over the hump, but unfortunately for them he is still playing in the NBA finals.

 

Why are you mentioning Tatum or Simmons? I just told you they werent even on the table... Spurs were trying to get good offers but no one would pay up.

 

No f'in way Pops would have ever traded Kawhi to an inter-divisional rivalry that was just one game away from making it to the Finals in 2017-2018 season. Pops basically pulled a Detective Rawls on McNulty and thought of the least desirable place Kawhi would want to go to while still getting something tangible out of the trade even if it's lesser value. At least you know Derozan will suit up and play on the court for you. It was probably the best the Spurs could do.

 

The lakers were offering Ingram and kuzma. That's better than DeRozan at 30mil.