Shockwaves were sent rattling through the basketball world early Wednesday morning when it was announced that the San Antonio Spurs had finally agreed to a trade involving their disgruntled superstar Kawhi Leonard.
Although the 6-foot-7-inch Southern California native had made it clear he wanted to be traded to a team in Los Angeles, the Spurs ultimately decided to ignore that request as they sent Leonard to the Toronto Raptors alongside teammate, and former UNC fan favorite, Danny Green.
Leonard and Green will now head north of the border together in exchange for Toronto All-Star guard Demar DeRozan, center Jakob Poetl and a protected 2019 first-round draft pick.
The deal was made by the Raptors in hopes that they can convince Leonard to resign with the team after the final year of his contract expires following up the upcoming season–even though he’s made it well known around the league he would like to sign in Los Angeles as a free agent with either the Lakers or Clippers.
It also ends a eight-year stint in San Antonio for Green, who has been a steady role player for head coach Gregg Popovich throughout his tenure with the club.
This includes winning the 2013 NBA Championship alongside Leonard against a Miami Heat team led by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
Photo via Eric Gay (Associated Press)
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