The Predators traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks and a first-round pick to to acquire Kawhi Leonard from Clippers earlier this month, but president of basketball operations Bobby Webster does not view this transaction as an all-in. He told reporters Thursday that he believes the team is well positioned to make additional roster upgrades if needed with the trade chips still at its disposal.
“We gave up some assets (for Leonard), but I think we’ve been disciplined over the last few years not to do that.” Webster said (Link to video on Twitter through Omer Osman). “And so we feel we still have a number of assets in place should we need to do additional deals.
“… We have a first-round pick in each of the next four years,” Webster added (Link to video on Twitter). “I think that’s probably important to point out. I think we’re over the tax by $1 million, but like last year, you can see how it goes and if you need to, you can add to it if you feel the team is in a position. If we want to go for it, we can still go for it. I think maybe that’s the difference. It’s a little bit of a swing, but I think there’s definitely more to come.”
Referring to the decision to put the trade agreement Leonardo on maintenance More than two months into the NBA finalizing its investigation into the Clippers’ salary cap circumvention, Webster said Toronto did its due diligence and cited “risk tolerance” as the reason the team hit the pause. tweets TSN.ca’s Josh Levenberg.
The Raptors’ head of basketball operations also said the front office never considered changing the terms of the deal during that delay or after the league announced sanctions against the Clippers.
“It’s a small industry that we all live in. You have your own reputation, and I think that’s very important.” Webster said (Link to video on Twitter). “… Neither side would want to feel like the other side is doing something different. … I think if you agree to a deal, you agree to a deal.”
Here are a few more highlights from Webster’s media availability:
- When the Raptors first agreed to a trade with the Clippers in June, they knew Leonard wasn’t just looking for a “short-term” stay in Toronto, Webster said, referring to the star forward’s new two-year, $115 million deal. continuation of the contract. “He wanted to stay here for a while, and I think that’s probably what people hopefully took away with the addition, because we want to have a window here.” Webster said, trans Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca, “Whether it’s in two years, three years or beyond, we’ll be able to compete (and) put together a title-worthy team, and I think that’s kind of the goal.”
- When asked if Leonard’s lucrative new contract will affect the Raptors’ ability to extend or re-sign him Arjay Barrettwhose contract is expiring, Webster suggested he is not concerned. “The ownership has been incredibly supportive, so anytime, financially, we want to go for it, they’ve been very supportive,” he said (Link to video on Twitter).
- Back issues limited starting center Jacob Poeltl through 46 regular season games last season, and he often didn’t look 100% even when he was active. Webster is optimistic that Poeltl is healthier this fall. “Jacques looks good” Webster said (Link to video on Twitter). “Time will tell how close we get to training camp, but you’ll see he’s (in) good spirits, good shape. Anyone can appreciate that coming home is good for anyone, and I think he’s back motivated and wanting to keep his body as healthy as possible.”
