Toronto Raptors Reportedly Struggling Hard to Avoid Relocating to the USA ahead of 2020-21 NBA Season

The Toronto Raptors’ time in the Orlando Bubble was short-lived. The high-flying Boston Celtics forced the defending champions out in the conference semis. However, as fate would have it, they may again experience a bubble-like feeling in the upcoming season.

The Canadian government has got some really strict COVID-19 regulations placed around foreigners traveling to their land. Now, the league has scheduled a tight 72-game NBA card, set to begin on December 22. Neither the players nor the league would want the teams to serve a quarantine period every time they play the Raptors in their home court.

The Toronto Raptors not very keen to play in Newark

They have several options to consider if they move out of Toronto. Those are Newark’s Prudential Center, Barclays Center (sharing with the Nets), Kansas City, or the Tampa Bay area. However, in the more quintessential approach, the Masai Ujiri led franchise would want to stay put at the Scotiabank Arena. 

As per reports, the league is expecting to allow 25% of the arenas’ suites to host fans. They are also in constant talks with the Canadian and the US government to work something out. But, chances are strong that even if Raptors’ games do take place in Toronto, there would be no physical attendance allowed for fans.

On their part, the Canadian side would still want to stick to their home arena to at least stay closer to their families while playing for the country’s ever-growing NBA following. 

The Toronto-based organization has got a lot on its plate

The Canadian government can ensure rapid testing for the players on the airport itself to allow the Raptors to play in Toronto. But the franchise has other, more important issues to take care of. 

They have Serge Ibaka, Marc Gasol, and Fred Van Vleet entering their free agency. That’s a major cause of concern for Nick Nurse and the front office. They also have their own options, like signing Mitchell Robinson and giving away their 29th draft pick to the Knicks. This can also support their contention to attract Giannis Antetokounmpo in the next season. 

All this to suggest that the issues around the home-court advantage are still smaller when compared to rebuilding a championship-winning team.