4 Years After Masai Ujiri’s Kawhi Leonard-Gamble Led to Raptors’ 1st Championship, His Damian Lillard Chase Deemed “Glass Half Empty” by NBA Insider

The Damian Lillard trade fiasco saw huge developments in the last few days. One of the latest teams to show interest for the Portland veteran is the Toronto Raptors. While Lillard wanted to join the Miami Heat, the Canadian side seemed more keen to smuggle the Portland Trail Blazers star into their roster. Meanwhile, this determined attempt reminded the experts of the Raptors’ President, Masai Ujiri’s 2018 gamble to get Kawhi Leonard. Even though the throw of dice fetched them their maiden championship in 2019, analysts show no interest on the Toronto side’s new pursuit.

Ever since Lillard’s trade, news took over the NBA world, fans saw multiple developments. However, none of the teams seemed keen to trade the 7x All-Star. With only a week left for the training camps to open, the Raptors have serious discussions with the Blazers. ESPN’s Marc Spears revealed that the Canadian team is the “Hottest name” in the Dame trade.

Raptors’ Damian Lillard pursuit seems bleak

As the word about Raptors’ pursuit is out, experts and fans went all in finding the possibilities. Unfortunately, ESPN’s Bobby Marks seemed disappointed with the possibility of the trade. He further went on to dissect the trade dealing between the Blazers and the Raptors.

Appearing on the latest episode of NBA Today, Marks shared bleak interest in the Raptors’ trade request. Moreover, he said, “I have a glass half empty feeling on this deal here because there is so much risk involved.” He then went on to list the risks involved. As the Raptors are eyeing Damian Lillard, they need to give a huge chunk of star players for the trade. On the other hand, he pointed out that the 2019 NBA Championship team owes the 2024 protected top 6 pick to the San Antonio Spurs.

Similarly, he also highlighted the doubtful nature of Lillard’s ability to get better in the coming years.

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While Marks listed the risks involved in the trade, the host Malika Andrews brought up the similar trade gamble of Raptors in 2018.

Masai Ujiri’s 2018 gamble

Until 2018, the Toronto side had a disappointing run in the NBA. However, the team’s President Masai Ujiri pulled a rabbit out of his hat ahead of the 2018-19 season. The Raptors traded the team’s superstar player, DeMar DeRozan, along with a young talent to the Spurs and roped in Kawhi Leonard. Many fans felt betrayed, as it seemed like the management lacked loyalty, reported The Ringer. Moreover, Leonard had already got himself an ‘injury-prone player’ tag. The entire trade seemed like a gamble and yet they pulled off their maiden championship. Thanks to Leonard, who averaged 30.5 points in the postseason.

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Will Damian Lillard turn out to be another 2018 gamble? Let us know in the comments below.