Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just dropped 26 points on Puerto Rico in a FIBA World Cup qualifier, but the real talk came after the game. The Oklahoma City Thunder star and Canadian national team leader was asked about the Toronto Raptors bringing Kawhi Leonard back, and he didn’t hold back on what that move means for his home country’s only NBA team.
“For as long as I can remember, Toronto has loved the the Raptors, the country has loved the Raptors,” Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters Friday night. “I don’t think that’ll ever change no matter who plays for them. But yeah, adding a guy like that to your roster no matter where you’re from or what team you are amplifies everything. Your fanbase, your ability as a team on both ends of the floor. He’s a really good player. Toronto should be a good team next year.”
The Raptors agreed to a blockbuster trade that sends Kawhi Leonard back to Canada, according to league sources. Leonard is expected to sign a two-year extension with the franchise after the deal goes through. In exchange, Toronto shipped Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a first-round swap to the LA Clippers.
It’s a massive swing by a front office that got it right the first time around. Eight years ago, the Raptors traded for Leonard and won the NBA championship in his lone season here. They’re betting on a repeat.
But here’s the thing — Toronto held onto some key pieces the Clippers reportedly wanted. The Raptors refused to include Collin Murray-Boyles, Ja’Kobe Walters, or Jamal Shead in trade talks. That means Leonard walks into a lineup with Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Jakob Poeltl already in place. That’s not a rebuild around a star. That’s a contender getting its missing piece.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who put up 26 points, three rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in just 27 minutes against Puerto Rico, knows what it’s like to lead a team through big moves. He’s seen the Thunder rise from rebuild to Western Conference threat. Now he’s watching his country’s team do something similar, just faster.
“Toronto should be a good team next year,” SGA said. And honestly, it’s hard to argue with that. The Raptors just added a two-time Finals MVP to a roster that already had young talent and veteran depth. That’s not a maybe. That’s a warning to the East.
Free agency is still young. There’s plenty of time for Toronto to make more moves before October. But they’ve already made the one that matters most.
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