Golden State Warriors: 4 opposing teams that improved at deadline

By Tony Pesta | Feb 9, 2019

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 31: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors goes to the basket against Wilson Chandler #22 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers at ORACLE Arena on January 31, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

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Golden State Warriors Toronto Raptors (Ray Chavez/Digital First Media/The Mercury News via Getty Images) /

3. Toronto Raptors

This season is a very interesting one for the Toronto Raptors. Once they decided to trade their franchise star, DeMar DeRozan, for San Antonio superstar, Kawhi Leonard, the pressure was on.

Leonard has the option to leave in free agency this season and there is a growing belief that he wants to play in Los Angeles. Because of this, Toronto must do everything they can to persuade Leonard to stay. The best way to do this would obviously be to win an NBA championship.

The Raptors have an incredibly deep team filled with talented role players. This abundance of assets helped them pull off a deal for Marc Gasol. Gasol is a three-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year.

This exchange was Toronto’s best possible move. They didn’t give up too much to acquire Gasol, meaning they haven’t officially gone all in. This is good because if this season doesn’t work out and Leonard leaves, they still have a backup plan with their youth.

In contrast, if Gasol ends up having a huge impact on the team and helping them win a championship, then it is a massive win for the Raptors. This was a low-risk, high-reward move for Toronto.

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