Pope of Basketball.

Summary

. The Supersonics, with a 9-4 record, were looking to strengthen their roster after losing De Te Lei Fu by signing Ke Te-Thomas. However, Liu Yi Si struggled for minutes due to his lack of physicality, leaving him as a backup for Da Le-Ai Li Si. Glen Ge Lu Wo De anticipated a trade but was met with resistance, as the Supersonics considered La Sha De untouchable. Frustrated, he contacted Yang Rui, who suggested a trade for Kevin Ka Tuo from the Trail Blazers. Despite skepticism about Ka Tuo's usefulness, Yang Rui emphasized his defensive capabilities against aggressive inside scorers. Ka Tuo, known for his physicality and experience in defending players like Shaquille O'Neal, had been underutilized in Portland due to crowded positions. The Trail Blazers were seeking a backup swingman after acquiring an injured player, Bang Qi-Wells. Despite initial reluctance, they agreed to the trade with the Raptors, sending John Wallace in exchange for Ka Tuo. Upon arrival in Toronto, Ka Tuo's role was to bolster the team's defense, especially against the Lakers’ Ao Ni Er. Yang Rui believed Ka Tuo's defensive presence was crucial for the Raptors' championship aspirations, especially since they had struggled against the Jazz in previous seasons. After successful health checks, the trade was finalized, and media speculated about the motivations behind the trade, questioning the Raptors’ management decisions. However, Yang Rui remained focused on strengthening the team's lineup, which now included three-point shooters, potential stars, veterans, and a solid interior presence. .

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