Kawhi to Toronto

wildturkey said:

Yep. And that's why the Lakers need to start thinking up trade packages for Kawhi come December (when they can trade anyone they just signed). The Raptors won't be looking for that "godfather offer" the Spurs were supposedly wanting. Think up something you're willing to part with and go out and get Kawhi. Don't let him get comfortable in Toronto. Don't let him get to FA where he can meet with other teams and entertain the idea of playing with other 2019 stars. It's like a car salesman. Get him on your lot and don't let him leave.

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Yeah, you gotta figure that the longer he's there, the higher the chance that he'll stay there.

bksballer89 said:

Reasons like this is why players have to do what's best for them. Can't care about loyalty to these teams.

Sources close to DeRozan told ESPN's Chris Haynes that DeRozan met with Toronto brass in Las Vegas during summer league and was told he would not be traded.

In a story posted on his Instagram page on Wednesday morning, DeRozan wrote, "Be told one thing & the outcome another. Can't trust em. Ain't no loyalty in this game. Sell you out quick for a little bit of nothing... Soon you'll understand... Don't disturb..."

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$27 million a year, and an opportunity to play for one of the greatest coaches ever - Poor guy...Sounds rough.

Prayers up.

HurricaneDij39 said:

$27 million a year, and an opportunity to play for one of the greatest coaches ever - Poor guy...Sounds rough.

Prayers up.

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LOL, He was pissed because with LeBron having went to the Western Conference, he thought he was going to dominate the Eastern Conference and wouldn't have to deal with LeBron until the Finals - only to find out that he will continue to get punked by LeBron

Heatles84 said:

The Warriors are the perennial favorites to 3-peat. Being a 4-time champion, I find it highly doubtful that Klay would walk from a situation where the Dubs could potentially win 4 titles in a row, which hasn't been done in the 60's; so long as they win in 2018-2019.

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Yeah, last week, even his dad said he agrees with Klay about his desire to remain a Warrior.

He said he loves the Lakers.

But, his son is in the perfect situation and that the possibility of becoming a dynasty doesn't come around often.

If I were the lakers, the only players off limits in a trade with Toronto for kawhi would be Lebron and maybe kuzma.

Beengay fudgepackers said:

If I were the lakers, the only players off limits in a trade with Toronto for kawhi would be Lebron and maybe kuzma.

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Why?

Kawhi ain't staying in Toronto. If they sign him in FA next season, they will be a legit contender. Trading Ingram and whoever else won't get them there.

Now, if Kawhi refuses to play for them and the Lakers are able to deal Ball along with a couple expiring contracts during the season, that would be another matter.

tlance said:

Why?

Kawhi ain't staying in Toronto. If they sign him in FA next season, they will be a legit contender. Trading Ingram and whoever else won't get them there.

Now, if Kawhi refuses to play for them and the Lakers are able to deal Ball along with a couple expiring contracts during the season, that would be another matter.

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If Kawhi refuses to play for the Raptors they hold his rights for another year while fining him his entire salary while having eventually gone two years without playing basketball in his prime.

If he refuses to play for the Raptors, he's the dumbest fucking person on the planet.

I can say pretty confidently that once the season gets underway Kawhi’s not going anywhere unless the team really, really sucks (they’re 99% not going to suck). There is absolutely no good reason for the Raptors to trade away Kawhi before he becomes a free agent if the team is doing well.

Bloody Brian Burke said:

I can say pretty confidently that once the season gets underway Kawhi’s not going anywhere unless the team really, really sucks (they’re 99% not going to suck). There is absolutely no good reason for the Raptors to trade away Kawhi before he becomes a free agent if the team is doing well.

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Exactly.

DarthVedder said:

Sure, but the Lakers had a pretty great chance to sign him long term. Kawhi is a top 3 talent in the league, and he hasn't even hit his peak yet. To me, that's worth more than Ingram and Kuzma.

The first round picks aren't worth that much, since they are bound to very low. The Lakers are gambling that they'll be able to sign him as a FA next year. We'll see how that pans out.

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It wasn't just Ingram, Kuzma and picks. They wanted Hart as well. If it were me, I probably would have done it anyway. But I'm not sure that would have been the right move considering there's a solid chance they'll get him next off-season.

Even if they don't, there will be a much deeper and more diverse group of FA's to choose from.

Also, we'll know later in the season and after, what the true needs are. There's the possibility that they may have a need that Kawhi doesn't fill. For example, Javale McGee looks to be the starting center this season. Depending on how things go, I could see them possibly targeting AD or Boogie (if looks to be good to go).

Mecca said:

Depends on the players you are targeting.

Say the Lakers wanted Jimmy Butler as an example.

Butler wants to play with Kyrie.

Kyrie doesn't want to play with Lebron.

Lakers won't get Butler.

In the clip posted by Manu4ever, it was reported that Kawhi has been reaching out to other players to gauge who would like to team up in certain markets.

Obviously, it's all just rumors.

But, do you remember where Kawhi was when he choose to stop attending games?

He was in New Jersey with his uncle.

Nets have the means to sign 2 max guys and have 2 first round picks to offer in trades next Summer.

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See this is where the Cavs can and will probably get involved if you ask me.

The nets have their pick in this upcoming draft- which will probably be pretty freaking good.

The Cavs have the contracts of Smith and Hill which are guaranteed this year- but unguranteed for next year......the Cavs can DEFINITELY go to the Nets and say---- hey- you want to clear as much cap room as possible? trade us all the garbage you want- clear as much cap space as you want--- and we will give you George Hill's 19M dollar deal, and then you can just cut him since his salary is not guaranteed---- BUUUUT you gotta give us that first round pick in order to do it.....they can do the same thing iwth JR too.

With those 2 first rounders, Brooklyn can definitely entice teams to take the few remaining bad contracts that they do have....I DEFINITELY do not think the CAvs would hesitate to say trade Hill for Crabbe, let the Nets cut Hill's unguaranteed contract, and then have a TON OF money in free agency.

Crabbe has an 19M dollar player option he will almost without a doubt pick up. AFter that- the Nets have practically ZERO cap room committed besides Joe Harris' 8M, and then a bunch of very cheap guys like Dinwoodie, LaVert, Allen, etc.....



Its crazy to think about- but the Nets could actually clear enough cap room to sign Kyrie, Butler AND Kawhi.

Bloody Brian Burke said:

If Kawhi refuses to play for the Raptors they hold his rights for another year while fining him his entire salary while having eventually gone two years without playing basketball in his prime.

If he refuses to play for the Raptors, he's the dumbest fucking person on the planet.

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I don't think that will happen. I suggested it as the only way it would make sense for the Lakers to trade for him.

If Kawhi plays a few games the sits, he can absolutely force Toronto's hand. He isn't stupid enough to sit the whole season, but if he doesn't want to be there, don't count on having Kawhi in uniform when it matters.

Because I can guarantee you Kawhi cares about free agency. I am not sure he cares about potential fines.

tlance said:

Why?

Kawhi ain't staying in Toronto. If they sign him in FA next season, they will be a legit contender. Trading Ingram and whoever else won't get them there.

Now, if Kawhi refuses to play for them and the Lakers are able to deal Ball along with a couple expiring contracts during the season, that would be another matter.

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Everyone on the lakers but Lebron is an expendable role player. At this point last year everyone was saying the exact same thing about PG. The lakers decided to use this strategy you laid out and it failed. At the trade deadline, if I were the lakers, I’d try to trade for kawhi. There’s always the chance he goes to the Clippers or 76ers. Heck, he might get comfortable in Toronto. People’s views change over the course of a year. It’s not a certainty that he signs with the lakers outright.

Also, they are not a contender with kawhi if the dubs are still around with KD, Curry, green, and Thompson/Boogie.

trojanfan12 said:

It wasn't just Ingram, Kuzma and picks. They wanted Hart as well. If it were me, I probably would have done it anyway. But I'm not sure that would have been the right move considering there's a solid chance they'll get him next off-season.

Even if they don't, there will be a much deeper and more diverse group of FA's to choose from.

Also, we'll know later in the season and after, what the true needs are. There's the possibility that they may have a need that Kawhi doesn't fill. For example, Javale McGee looks to be the starting center this season. Depending on how things go, I could see them possibly targeting AD or Boogie (if looks to be good to go).

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dude JaVale McGee is not the starting center man- if he is that is a disaster. The guy has not played 20 minutes a game in about half a decade.

If i had one big time criticism about the Lakers 1 year outlook this year its the fact that their front court is pretty weak.

Kuzma is solid at the 4- for a 2nd year player anyway....but between McGee, Kuzma, Wagner, Zubac- its just a lot of youth and not much defense or toughness. When JaVale Mcgee is suppsoed to be your "defensive big" i think thats a disaster. Like i said man- if that guy is playing 20 minutes a night thats almost too much. Hes just not that good.

I am really surprised there is not some kind of vet. min big man they have brought in who could at least provide some depth and stability and professionalism.

The Lakers shooting, and their rebounding will be a concern if you ask me. Playmaking wont be- thats for sure- and perimeter defense should be a strength-- but interior defense, defensive rebouding and 3 pt shooting look to be rough spots. A big man rotation of Kuzma, Zubac, Wagner, McGee is really pretty shitty for a big man rotation- and thats with me saying i think Kuzma has potential to be a very good fit around LeBron, and a stretch 4 that can make some plays and move his feet well. The other 3 guys seem like fringe NBA'ers and back of the roster type guys.

Bloody Brian Burke said:

I can say pretty confidently that once the season gets underway Kawhi’s not going anywhere unless the team really, really sucks (they’re 99% not going to suck). There is absolutely no good reason for the Raptors to trade away Kawhi before he becomes a free agent if the team is doing well.

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You would prefer that the Raptors roll the dice than getting a bunch of young assets for Kawhi, assuming that a team were willing to do that?

WiggyRuss said:

Kuzma is solid at the 4- for a 2nd year player anyway....but between McGee, Kuzma, Wagner, Zubac- its just a lot of youth and not much defense or toughness. When JaVale Mcgee is suppsoed to be your "defensive big" i think thats a disaster. Like i said man- if that guy is playing 20 minutes a night thats almost too much. Hes just not that good.

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To your point, McGee hasn't played 20 minutes a game in 8 years.

tlance said:

Because I can guarantee you Kawhi cares about free agency. I am not sure he cares about potential fines.

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The fines would be his salary - $17.5 mil, pro-rated for the games he misses. Considering he's already down $50 mil because he didn't sign in SA and would be down another $30 mil if he doesn't sign in Toronto (plus whatever lowballing offers the team he eventually does sign with gives him because "uh, we really like you but you haven't played in two years and this is a lot of money" becomes a real prospect), maybe he should just nut up and play.