Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri Assures Team Is Ready After Kawhi Leonard's Departure

Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri isn't worried about a Kawhi-less Toronto team. Uriji spoke with the media for the first time on Tuesday since it was announced that the finals MVP is headed home for the Los Angeles Clippers.

He told reporters that there are no hard feelings with Leonard's departure. In fact, he appreciates the work Kawhi did to win their first championship. Uriji added that he's optimistic that the team can move forward after their dream season with the three-time all-star.

Kawhi Leonard, who remained mum throughout free agency, shocked the basketball world when he decided to join forces with Paul George in Los Angeles. Leonard agreed to sign to a four-your year $142 million contract.

The notoriously reticent star chose to play close to home, and the Toronto Raptors organization understood that it was coming. Uriji told reporters that he "appreciates what the process was and knew that it was going to end this way, and I understood that."

After Kawhi's departure, Toronto will have enough money to resign players like Jodie Meeks, Patrick McCaw, and Jeremy Lin. They can even add another Allstar to bolster up their starting lineup.

Despite the void left by "The Klaw," The Toronto Raptors are still an excellent team. Kyle Lowry will always pose an all-around threat against the opposing guards, and Marc Gasol can even contribute quality minutes.

Pascal Siakam, Chris Boucher and OG Anunoby also showed their brilliance against the much favored Warriors cast. With the young core intact, Toronto can also decide to add another veteran presence.

Kenneth Faried is also up for grabs, and he fits perfectly with the Raptor's system. The unrestricted free-agent showed flashes of his former brilliance in Houston, and he can still contribute with his hustle and scrappy plays.

Whatever the case is, Uriji's team is still an experienced championship-caliber team. With Kevin Durant possibly joining Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn, the stakes are up for the eastern conference, but the Raptors aren't fazed at all.

With the Bucks, Sixers and Knicks not improving during the free agency, The Raptors still have a chance to have a deep playoff run. The Pacers and Nets have improved their lineups, the Wizards and the Hawks also pose a threat with their young talented core.

It is still anyone's ball-game at this point, but the Raptors aren't worried about Kawhi's exit. If anything else, they're still determined to get their 2-peat.