The Toronto Raptors have not been in trouble, but they have been caught up in drama with the NBA as they remain trade partners with the Los Angeles Clippers. Earlier in the summer, the team agreed to trade for Kawhi Leonard.
The trade was put on hold as the Clippers and Leonard were investigated for potential improper benefits. However, after the investigation was resolved earlier in the week, the trade still appears to be moving forward.
“The full expectation around the Raptors and around Kawhi Leonard and the league is that this trade will be going through in the next few days,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said.
The Raptors are doing whatever it takes to get Leonard back, as he previously brought the city an NBA championship. Toronto is looking to have the same success with him this season in a jam-packed Eastern Conference. The trade details are still the same as well.
“The Raptors are still sending draft capital to the Clippers alongside Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick in their trade for Kawhi Leonard, per Shams Charania. Full trade haul for Los Angeles, who now must covet these picks: 2027 swap. 2031 + 2033 unprotected 1sts. 2030 + 2033 2nds,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
The Raptors have also continued to add to their roster while waiting for the blockbuster trade to become official. Last week, Toronto brought in Trey Jemison III on a two-way contract.
“The Toronto Raptors announced Wednesday they have signed centre Trey Jemison lll to a two-way contract. Per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Jemison, 6-foot-10, 270 pounds, averaged 1.0 points, 1.4 rebounds and 6.3 minutes in 13 games as a two-way player with New York last season. He also appeared in 31 contests (30 starts) with the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League, posting averages of 8.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 blocks, 1.0 steals and 27.7 minutes,” NBA.com wrote.
While it is a two-way contract, Jemison has experience with multiple organizations throughout his career. He was recently with the New York Knicks and spent time with the Westchester Knicks in the G League.
He also previously played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Birmingham Squadron, giving him experience in both the NBA and G League. Jemison will look to continue developing with Toronto while providing frontcourt depth when needed.
More NBA news: