The Toronto Raptors have been fined $25,000 for the comments rapper and team ambassador, Drake, made about 2014 MVP, Kevin Durant, at his recent concert
In a report by The Sports Xchange, the incident happened at his recently concluded concert in his native Toronto, where he invited OKC Thunder star, Kevin Durant. Aside from the invitation to watch the performance, he also invited the current NBA MVP to possibly join the Toronto Raptors.
Such a public pitch was considered by the NBA a violation of its anti-tampering rules. Drake became a team ambassador of the Toronto Raptors when he was hired by the team in 2013. The team was fined $25,000 by the NBA. In a report by CBS Sports, the NBA has yet to provide the reason behind the hefty sum, although experts reported that it is the same amount that Phil Jackson, president of the New York Knicks, paid after publicly talking about the possibility of acquiring Derek Fisher as head coach while the latter still had an existing player contract.
According to the NBA, publicly inviting or showing interest in acquiring players is a violation of its anti-tampering rules, which can result to penalties.
Drake reportedly told thousands of fans who watched his concert, "Before we leave, I just want to show one of my brothers something. You know, my brother Kevin Durant was kind enough to come to the show tonight and watch us. I just want him to see what would happen if he came to play in Toronto. Let him know what would happen"
The crowd obliged and gave Durant an ovation, according to ESPN.com. They then started chanting "KD", showing the star forward that he is very welcome, should he decide to play for the Raptors when he turns into an unrestricted free agent in 2016.
Several other teams are looking forward to acquiring the NBA star when his contract with the Thunder ends. Some of the possible suitors include the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards, which are the most likely to land Durant. Teams are preparing huge salary cap space to afford Durant when the 2015-2016 season ends.
In a report by The Star, Kevin Durant did not respond directly to Drake's invitation. He did thank the rapper for the warm accommodations on Twitter, "I love the 6. Thanks @drake, nikko, chubs, future, P Reign and the rest of the crew. Y'all showed so much love. Back in the 405!!!"