The Toronto Raptors’ 2018 trade for Kawhi Leonard remains one of the most pivotal moments in NBA history. While the move delivered the franchise its first NBA Championship, a lingering narrative has followed: Did the Raptors only acquire Kawhi because they knew he wouldn’t stay long-term?
This article breaks down the facts, the context behind the deal, and why the Raptors made the bold gamble that ultimately paid off.
The Kawhi Leonard Trade That Shocked The NBA
In July 2018, the Raptors traded franchise cornerstone DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a protected 2019 first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.
At the time:
Did The Raptors Know Kawhi Leonard Would Leave?
The short answer: Yes and No.
Yes, they understood the risk. Raptors President Masai Ujiri admitted from the start that Leonard’s free agency was uncertain. The franchise was fully aware of the possibility that Kawhi would be a “one-year rental.”No, they didn’t assume he was gone. The Raptors hoped their championship culture, passionate fan base, and strong roster could convince Leonard to re-sign. They invested heavily in sports science, rest management (load management became a buzzword that season), and building trust with Kawhi.What Actually Happened After The Championship?
Leonard led the Raptors to the 2019 NBA Championship, hitting one of the most iconic shots in NBA history against the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs.
That summer, Leonard opted to leave as a free agent, joining the Los Angeles Clippers. While some saw this as confirmation of the “one-year rental” narrative, it’s important to note:
Leonard never gave any team (not even the Clippers) long-term guarantees.The Raptors gave him the platform to maximize his value, and he delivered them a title in return.Conclusion
The Kawhi Leonard trade was less about securing a long-term superstar and more about taking a high-risk, high-reward chance. Toronto may have suspected Kawhi wouldn’t stay, but the organization didn’t act out of resignation; it acted out of ambition.
The post Fact Check: Did The Toronto Raptors Only Trade For Kawhi Leonard Because He’d Leave? originally published on Total Pro Sports.