By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Kawhi Leonard is coming back to Toronto. The Raptors acquire Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers in a trade involving Brandon Ingram, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 pick swap, and two second-rounders (2030 and 2033).
Leonard, 35, comes off one of the best seasons of his career. Leonard has been decimated with injuries for several seasons, but last season he looked sharp and durable. If the Raptors can get this from Leonard, then they will be looking to party like it’s 2019 all over again.
In one season with the Raptors, Kawhi helped the team win a championship after defeating the Golden State Warriors in six games. Leonard won the Finals MVP. After capturing the championship, Leonard left the Raptors during free agency to join Paul George with the Clippers.
The experiment failed. The Clippers didn’t win a title during Leonard’s tenure. Their best chance to win it all was in 2021, but Leonard was hurt, and the Clippers lost to the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals. When Leonard played for the Raptors, he joined forces with Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam. Now, he will join a team with fresher legs and talented players such as Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Collin Murray-Boyles.
The Raptors’ frontcourt, on paper, looks strong. This is a team that made the playoffs and won 46 games. It’s a huge risk that the Raptors took here, but sometimes it’s necessary to move the needle. It’s a win-win trade for both teams. The Clippers are younger and will receive multiple draft picks.
How many games will the Raptors win if Leonard stays healthy for a full season? The Raptors might improve by at least two more games. They are capable of reaching 50 wins. It’s all about team chemistry and durability. Toronto is looking to compete in the East against the New York Knicks, and we can’t ignore the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and even Detroit Pistons.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
X: @mmm_sportnfilms, Instagram: @miguel_passionforsports and @themmmjournal, LinkedIn: The MMM Journal, TikTok: @miguelmikemedina
