The Toronto Raptors have already made one huge swing this summer, and they may not be done.
After finalizing the Kawhi Leonard trade earlier this week, Toronto is being linked to another major name: Kyrie Irving. USA Today’s Wajih AlBaroudi floated the Raptors as a possible fit, pointing to the idea that Toronto could use another playmaker to help open things up for Leonard.
“The Raptors could use an upgrade at point guard to open up the floor for Kawhi Leonard, and Irving's ability to excel off the ball doesn't conflict with Scottie Barnes primarily running the offense. Mavericks president Masai Ujiri helped the Raptors win their first NBA championship back when he led their front office. This move could bring Toronto its second,” AlBaroudi wrote.
The Leonard deal itself only became official after a long delay tied to the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the agreement, first reached on June 30, had been held up while the league looked into allegations that the Clippers violated salary cap rules when signing Leonard as a free agent.
Irving’s name has stayed in the trade conversation as well. Marc Stein reported that Dallas has pushed back on outside interest for the nine-time All-Star, but rival teams are still watching closely to see whether that changes once the season gets underway.
“The Mavericks, as we've been writing since mid-June, have consistently swatted away trade interest this offseason in nine-times-an-All-Star guard Kyrie Irving. Rival teams, however, continue to wonder aloud about how firmly Dallas will stick to that stance once the season begins and the next in-season trade deadline on Feb. 11 gradually approaches," The Stein Line's Marc Stein wrote.
If Toronto were to land Irving, it would be a massive addition for a team that is clearly trying to keep pace with the league’s top contenders. Irving is coming off an ACL injury, and with new management in Dallas, another move like this is at least in the conversation.
The Raptors have already landed Leonard. A second blockbuster would turn this into a much louder summer in Toronto.
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