Raptors Trading 2 Players & 5 Draft Picks For Kawhi Leonard Baffles Fans – “We Sure Kawhi’s Knees Were Included?”

Kawhi Leonard's time with the Clippers was maligned with health issues and the $48 million salary cap circumvention allegations.

Raptors Trading 2 Players & 5 Draft Picks For Kawhi Leonard Baffles Fans – “We Sure Kawhi’s Knees Were Included?”

Kawhi Leonard traded from the Clippers (Image via FirstSportz)

Of all the player movements being rumored in the NBA, the one regarding Kawhi Leonard drew some raised eyebrows among both fans and analysts.

It so happens that the forward and the Los Angeles Clippers have been under investigation over attempts to circumvent the salary cap as part of his decision to sign with them during the 2019 free agency.

With the belief that both the team and the player could face heavy consequences, everyone was waiting to see what the NBA would do about it.

But so far, nothing has happened, even though Aspiration’s co-founder, the person who allegedly helped the Clippers pay Leonard under the table, was sentenced to prison earlier this month.

In the days leading up to the opening of the new league season, the most dominant names were not named Kawhi Leonard. But recently, the name started popping, and so did potential suitors.

The Los Angeles Clippers are nearing deal sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2 first-round picks, 1 pick swap and 2 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. A return to Canada for the Raptors champion and two-time Finals MVP.

Shams Charania revealed on X

This means those rumors were true and that the Clippers and their leading superstar did consider parting ways. Maybe it was the best way to end the controversy before it got worse. Either way, both parties get a fresh start.

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Fans tear into Raptors for overpaying for Kawhi Leonard

This trade also allows the Clippers to finally move on from the superstar era. They spent a lot of money to bring in Kawhi Leonard, and others such as Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, only to remain empty-handed.

Usually, fans want to remind the franchise of what their decisions have led to. However, their attention was directed towards the two players and five draft picks that the Raptors gave up to land the two-time Finals MVP.

They felt that the Canadian franchise lost their marbles giving up that much for a player who has struggled with his health for most of the last few seasons. Check out examples of those reactions below.

Kawhi Leonard may turn out to be what the Toronto Raptors needed. The team is loaded with young talent, but has not been able to take the next step. Maybe the Klaw can use his experience and leadership to push them up a level.

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Drake knew about Kawhi Leonard trade before it was announced

Those who were following the Kawhi Leonard news were aware of the possibility of his returning to Toronto or even any of the other rumored teams. But it seems Drake knew it all along.

Kawhi Leonard is back with the Raptors
Kawhi Leonard is back with the Raptors (Image via NBA Central/X)

So is it KawhiYZ szn again?

Drake wrote on IG

The Canadian rapper even added a picture of himself alongside the 7-time All-Star with this caption. Once the trade was finalized, fans and even some of the NBA’s network partners wondered whether the Grammy Award winner knew about it before they did.

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