Advertisement - scroll for more content
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement - scroll for more content
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Raptors GM Bobby Webster on the Raptors' process for signing Kawhi Leonard: "It was the Sunday before the draft. I may have been out with the kids and I got a call from the Clippers GM and I was like, okay, this is... We had sort of kept in touch over the years obviously and I always tell people you keep tabs on the top players, the best players in the league and their status and you are always just checking in on them. So Kawhi was always someone that we had on our list as far as players we were monitoring. A couple of things probably happened is the Clippers decided and obviously when they had the number five pick that they were going to go in that direction and so very quietly they made the call and said, hey, this is a player you guys have asked about a number of times over the years but we are sort of willing to listen now."
Josh Lewenberg: Raps GM Bobby Webster said Kawhi trade negotiations started around draft week. Their decision to pause the trade was about "risk tolerance," but said they had done their due diligence. "We wouldn't have agreed to the deal if we didn't have a level of confidence it would get done"
Omer Osman: Bobby Webster on if there’s a maneuverability to make more moves given the team’s current salary cap situation: “We have a first round pick in each of the next 4 years.” “I know @BlakeMurphyODC is not here, but I think we’re a million over the tax, but similar to last year, you can see how it goes. You can get under, if you need to. You could also add to it, if you felt like the team was in position.” “If we want to go for it, we still can go for it. I think, maybe that’s the distinction, is, sort of, a bit of a swing. I think there’s definitely more left in the bone.”
Omer Osman: Bobby Webster on if Kawhi Leonard’s extension will have any impact on RJ Barrett’s extension: “No, I think ownership has been incredibly supportive. So, any time, financially, we want to make a go for it, they’re very supportive.”
Advertisement
Marley Dickinson: #Raptors GM Bobby Webster said that he's kept in touch with Leonard since he left for Los Angeles. The #Clippers reached out to Webster about interest in acquiring the two-time Finals MVP before the NBA Draft. "The familiarity Kawhi had with the city helped. We've kept in touch with him [over the past seven years]," said Webster. "Kawhi didn't want this move to be a short-term thing. He wanted to have a window where he knew he could compete for a title." The biggest part of the trade for Toronto was that Leonard was coming off a healthy season.
Josh Lewenberg: Webster on Kawhi's health/possibility of load management this season: "There's going to be so many times where we're going to be tempted to compare this to 2019 but I think we need to focus on moving forward... He was healthy last year and the goal is to keep him healthy"
Omer Osman: Bobby Webster on Jakob Pöltl’s health/back injury: “Jak looks good. Time will tell as far as we ramp up to training camp. He’s in good spirits, good shape.” “Going home is good for anyone, and I think he’s come back with the motivation and willingness to keep his body as healthy as he possibly can.”
Advertisement
Omer Osman: Bobby Webster says there will be “natural basketball chemistry” between Scottie Barnes and Kawhi Leonard. 🤞 Bobby also has high praise for Scottie’s development/growth over the years.
Josh Lewenberg: Webster on Collin Murray-Boyles' offseason: "CMB is great, man. People have probably seen some of the videos. He's a lean, mean fighting machine."
Ryan Dickison: Bobby Webster regarding Raptors roster - “There’s more meat left on the bone”