Twitter Reaction: Raptors make splash with Gasol trade

Memphis Grizzlies centre Marc Gasol (33) hangs from the rim after dunking the ball in the second half against the Phoenix Suns, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn. (Brandon Dill/AP)

Sportsnet Staff February 7, 2019, 5:01 PM

The NBA trade deadline lived up to its must-see billing for Toronto Raptors fans, as Masai Ujiri acquired three-time all-star Marc Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies with just over an hour to go before the 3 p.m. ET cutoff.

Twitter reacted as it always does: loudly.

Here are some of the finest instant-reactions from the biggest trade deadline blockbuster in Raptors’ history.

The sixers put the east on notice and the bucks and raptors are responding https://t.co/EZukiHK1PG

— Matt (@safetyMatt96) February 7, 2019

https://twitter.com/WorldWideWob/status/1093587299156353024

imagine telling someone 3 years ago that both gasol and kawhi would be on the raptors

— trust the ponat (@actuallyponat) February 7, 2019

So Raptors-Warriors in the finals? Raptors-Warriors in the finals. https://t.co/DsiweY29aX

— k. (@kyleARonline) February 7, 2019

I have to go back to work now

NO MORE TRADES PLS @ MASAI SPARE ME

— Lior (@LiorKozai) February 7, 2019

But as is the case with all news, doubts also emerged in reaction to the trade.

When JV and Serge were healthy, those were 48 quality minutes they were already getting at centre. Have to wonder how much Toronto have really improved and if there's another shoe to drop. Buyout market will likely play a role as well.

— Vivek Jacob (@vivekmjacob) February 7, 2019

The Raptors gotta take the L on this one. https://t.co/u46txiBFEK

— J. Pappad (@kingpappad) February 7, 2019

#JonasValanciunas for #MarcGasol? Why though?

JV 26 years old
Gasol 34 years old

JV 17 mil per year
Gasol 25 mil per year

JV 13 ppg (19 min per game)
Gasol 16 ppg (34 min per game)

JV 7.2 Rebounds per game
Gasol 8.6 Rebounds per game pic.twitter.com/l0ovLnv47R

— Sky Smith (@Sky_Smith_) February 7, 2019

So the Raptors trade 3 guys And a pick for Gasol who averages 15 and 8? Whenever one of the players in the trade is Valanciunas who averages 13 and 7 and is 10 years younger? Not sure I understand that one

— Trent (@__TCE__) February 7, 2019

And then there was the immediately obvious, but still enjoyable, variations on the Twitter joke pointing out the Raptors jumping the gun in announcing Valanciunas’ return to the lineup.

yikes https://t.co/8TI0Fpuwev

— William Lou (@william_lou) February 7, 2019

https://twitter.com/ericpatrick26/status/1093610537047465985

https://twitter.com/WorldWideWob/status/1093590328412725251

Well this is just awkward now https://t.co/5QKKe758z1

— Jess Koffie (@koffie_jessica) February 7, 2019

But no trade is just about who is coming in, it’s also about who is leaving. And many fans were quick to voice their feelings about losing long-time Raptor, Valanciunas.

Will always have a special place in my heart for JV. Was a really good Raptor, underappreciated at times and (I know non-media people hate hearing this) was great with the media.

— Rob Wong (@RobWong34) February 7, 2019

Feeling torn about losing @JValanciunas. He's been loyal to the @Raptors and it's sad and they're also losing Delon Wright (a key bench member) and CJ Miles (who's sort of out of the rotation but I like his 3 and D game) so that's bench depth. #WeTheNorth #NBA #Grizzlies

— BigGameJames (@BigGameJamesLFC) February 7, 2019

@JValanciunas you're a Raptor for life. Thank you for all that you did for the city and Canada.

— Douglas Tr0n Soltys (@tron) February 7, 2019

https://twitter.com/DavidBernardi7/status/1093621065211883522

…I'm going to miss seeing Jonas Valančiūnas in a #Raptors jersey. #RTZ pic.twitter.com/bJMdFsdenD

— Jenn (@GentlyJenn) February 7, 2019

I am NOT ready for the Jonas Valanciunas “Thank you Toronto” post

— Sidra (@ByeGuys17) February 7, 2019

I know this is a good trade for the Raptors, and Gasol is a get, but damn I'm gonna miss JV. Jonas Valanciunas was key and underappreciated and I got nothing but respect for that well dressed Indiana Jones as a lumberjack lookin' man. pic.twitter.com/trciH8xEph

— Andrew Ivimey (@Ivimey) February 7, 2019

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