NBA news: Kawhi Leonard trade “caution” sent by Isiah Thomas to Toronto Raptors
NBA NEWS - Kawhi Leonard may not be enough for the Toronto Raptors to challenge in the Eastern Conference, according to Isiah Thomas.
Kawhi Leonard: Expert reveals why he might stay in Toronto
The Raptors complete the biggest trade of the summer this offseason by agreeing a deal to sign Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs.
They offloaded DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a 2019 first-round pick protected 1-20 that turns into two second-round picks the following year.
The move has seen them backed as genuine title contenders in the Eastern Conference and with LeBron James heading out west to join the Los Angeles Lakers, they no longer have the four-time NBA MVP to contend with.
Toronto has lost to James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in three consecutive seasons, with the latest being a 4-0 thrashing in the Conference semi-finals.
However, DeRozan being traded for Leonard wasn’t the only big move Toronto made this summer with Dwane Casey being sacked in May.
Nick Nurse has been appointed the new head coach at the Raptors and two-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer Thomas believes he could be the difference between Toronto challenging this season or not.
“You’re talking about bringing, arguably, one of the top three best players in the league offensively and defensively into your team,” Thomas said on NBA GameTime.
“I think Masai made the right call when talking about trading DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi.
“There’s a small window opportunity here and now that LeBron James is gone, that window is really small.
“Right now, the Raptors have a shot, the Celtics have a short, Philly has a shot, Detroit thinks they have a shot, Indiana thinks they have a shot, Milwaukee thinks they have a shot.
“So when you acquire the best player, you’re saying ‘this is our small window, and if it’s only for a year and we make to the Finals, it was worth it’.
“I think it’s the right call for the Raptors, however I do caution I don’t know if the coach is ready to handle this team, handle this talent and take it to the Finals.
“When you’re window is small, as it is for the Raptors right now, everything’s got to be in order.
“You’ve got the right pieces on the floor talent-wise, now do you have the right coach to lead it and take it to the next level and that’s a question that is yet to be answered.”
While Toronto were able to agree a trade for Leonard in the offseason, his long-term future remains a mystery as he is set to become a free agent next year.
The Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers have heavily been linked with a move for the 2014 NBA Finals MVP.