What It Means for Kawhi Leonard to Join the Raptors
Toronto fans may be upset about losing DeMar DeRozan, but the end of two franchise players’ tenures is a reminder that loyalty in sports is meant to be rebuilt.
Last week, the San Antonio Spurs swapped their disgruntled forward Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for DeMar DeRozan in a trade that involved a package of players and a protected first-round pick. It brought to an end the tenure of two franchise players on teams that have strived to establish an identity of stability through continuity.
The Spurs have won five championships since 1999 and have had a winning record in the regular season every year since 1997. The Raptors have made the playoffs for five consecutive seasons since 2013, a high-water mark in their history. They’ve set a franchise record
