With LeBron James leaving the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors are in prime position to make a big move and go all-in, and it sounds like a two-time Defensive Player of the Year is on their radar.
Tim Bontemps of the Washington Post is reporting that the Raptors "generated buzz as a potential destination" for disgruntled San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard, who requested a trade several weeks ago.
Bontemps suggested that the Raptors could move out one of their two franchise stars in either Kyle Lowry or DeMar DeRozan in a trade for Leonard. But it would likely cost the Raptors far more than one of those two stars, but some of their young roster players and draft picks as well.
Now, adding Leonard would be a huge win for Masai Ujiri and co., but the Raptors would be landing a player who is one year away from free agency. Unless Leonard were to agree to a long-term extension (extremely unlikely), the Raptors probably would't sacrifice so many assets to get him.
On top of that, rumors have suggested that Leonard would prefer to play for either the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers or Philadelphia 76ers. The former and latter teams are also more enriched in young talent and could offer up much better trade packages than the Raptors, too.
The Raptors certainly could use a player of Leonard's caliber to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference, but there would be plenty of risks in pulling off such a move. Aside from giving up a superstar and other assets, they'd be taking on a player whose quad injury is a reason for concern.
But even if Leonard isn't willing to sign an extension, the Raptors may see this as their one opportunity to go all in and topple the rest of the East in 2019. Ujiri is not afraid to make big moves, so a Leonard trade can't be fully ruled out.