Kawhi traded to Toronto

[MDAV28]

Unless he can provide legitimate justification, Kawhi not reporting or not playing would be subject to some pretty hefty disciplinary action by the league and the Raps (or Spurs if the trade is cancelled).
As well, he could potentially be sued by the Raptors or Spurs as well for Breach of Contract. Basically, it wouldn't be a good look for him. Consider also that if he did that just to get to LA, there will be no end of damage to his "personal brand" because few parents could justify spending so much money on merch from a weak-willed, mentally defective player that makes Rodney Hood look like Karl Malone in comparison.

I'm Team Kawhi on this. He was hurt. The narrative switching to he just didn't want to play for the Spurs last year, I can't get behind.

I don't know why anybody would think he wouldn't play for the Raptors, unless he was injured.

 

[MDAV28]

Kawhi not signing the extension means he is another FA in the pot next year. Jazz have a max slot. I don't need to be told how unlikely it is, but just saying..

 

[elan_prodigy]

I'm Team Kawhi on this. He was hurt. The narrative switching to he just didn't want to play for the Spurs last year, I can't get behind.

I don't know why anybody would think he wouldn't play for the Raptors, unless he was injured.

Well if you are going to remain silent for a year, people make all kinds of assumptions.

 

[Jazz Spazz]

Well if you are going to remain silent for a year, people make all kinds of assumptions.

That and Parker had the same injury, only worse and wasn't out very long. Just ask Parker. KL is weak.

 

[Stoked]

Maybe Leonard was legitimately hurt all season. And couldn’t come back.

But he handled this poorly and this new talk only further hurts his brand. But is he comes out and balls this season and looks like the awesome player he is that will go away fast imo.

 

[Deleted member 5000]

Win for the Spurs, I love me some DeRozan.

 

[MDAV28]

Maybe Leonard was legitimately hurt all season. And couldn’t come back.

But he handled this poorly and this new talk only further hurts his brand. But is he comes out and balls this season and looks like the awesome player he is that will go away fast imo.

I disagree. Not every player needs to speak to the media about injuries or conflicts in the organization. In fact, the Spurs were the ones to call him out to the media, and I believe that is what truly pissed him off (as it should).

Regardless, nobody truly knows what was going on behind the scenes. I just don't see why Kawhi (or any NBA player) would just sit out for no reason so I am going to believe he was hurt.

 

[Jazz Spazz]

I disagree. Not every player needs to speak to the media about injuries or conflicts in the organization. In fact, the Spurs were the ones to call him out to the media, and I believe that is what truly pissed him off (as it should).

Regardless, nobody truly knows what was going on behind the scenes. I just don't see why Kawhi (or any NBA player) would just sit out for no reason so I am going to believe he was hurt.

First he was hurt, injury hurt. Then his feelings were hurt, as in Parker called him out and he didn't like it.
Either way though, he was hurt.

 

[MDAV28]

First he was hurt, injury hurt. Then his feelings were hurt, as in Parker called him out and he didn't like it.
Either way though, he was hurt.

Would you be OK with that?

 

[Jazz Spazz]

Would you be OK with that?

Just stating facts. Not saying I agree or disagree.

 

[JFFR]

Wow.

I'll hand it to Toronto, they're swinging for the fences. Better hope he re-signs, though. They probably would have had to hit reset anyways, but at least they could have moved Lowry, Derozan, etc. for some good young pieces.

I think it sucks for the Raptors. They just lost the face of their franchise and the coach of the year. They overreacted to getting swept by the King- who just moved to LA (where Kawhi is headed next summer).

In two years they will be irrelevant. If they'd kept DeRozan, they'd at least be in the mix in the East for another 3-4 years.

I can't believe they traded their guy! What a bad look!

 

[MDAV28]

Just stating facts. Not saying I agree or disagree.

That’s fine. I see true reason to be upset from his end. Also I don’t know if enough is made about the questionable decisions the Spurs made about building around him last season.

 

[Witty Username]

Basically, it wouldn't be a good look for him.

Leonard hasn't been about looking good through this entire circus from the beginning

 

[Jazz Spazz]

That’s fine. I see true reason to be upset from his end. Also I don’t know if enough is made about the questionable decisions the Spurs made about building around him last season.

Sure. I can see it from both sides. I can see why the teammates, coaches, and front office could be frustrated as well.
It's a two way street.
I wonder if this is how the Spurs felt about the whole thing.

 

[dong2ha]

lol Toronto ****ed up

 

[LoPo]

My thoughts:

Spurs - they want to maximize their chances while Pop is still around. DeRozan is better than Ingram and a pick for the current team of Aldridge and company. I don't think this makes the Spurs contenders, but it keeps then relevant.

Raptors - the East can be won. If Kawhi is healthy, they could beat Boston or Philly. If they only get 1 finals trip out of this team, then so be it. And you never know, Kawhi might love it there and stay. Its big that Danny Green is also in the deal.

Jazz - the Spurs are now on our level and Kawhi probably heads West next summer. Not good for us. But to be the best, we must beat the best.

Sent from my VS995 using JazzFanz mobile app

 

[Ron Mexico]

Good move by both teams.

The East is wide open to get to the finals this year. Toronto can make a run at it. Its a big swing but Leonard is probably the best player in the East now. You never know, they might convince him to stay. It's a lot of money to give up to leave. Look so Paul George, he was 100% going to the Lakers.

 

[TheStormofWar]

They might pan out well for the Spurs if they can get Pops to somehow correct DDR's playoff woes. But the Spurs definitely improved over a non-Kawhi Spurs. Our road got tougher. Toronto is making an interesting gamble, but the team as it was wasn't going to beat Philly or Boston, now it might. Plus if Kawhi sticks around, all the better. If not, they get to start their tank in some good fashion because they've already got some good young players on the roster.

 

[TheStormofWar]

I'm kind of curious if this forces Utah to respond or just stay the course. I know we're damn good and not winning a 'chip this year, but the West got so dramatically tougher now.

 

[Magic Spray]

Oh boy.

This is going to be some Rony Seikaly-level **** biting them in they ***.