The Toronto Raptors are trying to compete for a championship now! They are not waiting any longer to see what they can become and how farther they can go. But it only makes sense, seeing that Kyle Lowry is aging and next year will be his last year under contract. Kawhi Leonard is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent at the beginning of the 2019-2020 season, which makes this window for the Raptors limited.
By trading for Gasol, the Raptors have upgraded for a possible one year rental. Possible is the word because Gasol has a player option for next year, so he can choose to come back regardless of what happens with Kawhi. Also with this move it gives Toronto the ability to compete next year with Gasol, assuming he stays and Lowry still under contract for next year.
The Toronto Raptors biggest issue this season was the health of Valaciunas going forward, and his defensive abilities in the post. The Raptors clearly saw that they needed an answer for Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia Sixers. Trading for Gasol gave them the 31st ranked defensive player and a former Defensive Player of the Year at center. Now they have a true chance in the playoffs of being able to handle the center position. With this however makes the Toronto Raptors even more favorable to come out of the East and make their way to the NBA Finals. If not, then this season may just result into another playoff disappointment.
If this occurs, it is fair to say that Kawhi will be leaving, Gasol will possibly opt out or in with an agreement to be traded, and Kyle might be on his way out as well, starting the rebuilding process for Toronto. This will only make sense seeing that Toronto will slowly be one of the oldest teams in the East going forward while everyone else will be young. So, it is NBA Finals or bust this season for the Raptors. They have no more room for failed playoff appearances, and it is about time that they said enough is enough in just being good in the regular season, but flaming out when it counts.
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