Photo: NBA/Toronto Raptors

A Potential Raptors Move To Tampa Could Change The Divisions In The Eastern Conference 

As of today, 2019’s NBA champion out of Toronto, will not be able to play the next season in their hometown, and could face a similar destiny as the MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays, who played their home games in Buffalo, New York, and the MLS’ Toronto FC who played in East Hartford, Connecticut.

Due to the United States’ handling of COVID-19, travel into Canada has been banned, and it doesn’t appear likely at all, that the coronavirus situation will be handled when the new season tips off, or at least have low enough new cases for Canada to open its borders for international travel.

While Louisville, Kansas City and Newark have previously been considered as a prime guest host for the Raptors in the coming season, they now are looking to finalize a deal that will have Tampa, Florida become their temporary home. 

The city of #Tampa is in preliminary discussions with the Toronto Raptors to host the #NBA team this season in the case the #Raptors aren’t able to play games in Toronto because of existing Canadian travel restrictions. #TampaBay #WeTheNorth

— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) November 12, 2020

If the Raptors will indeed end up playing the season, or at least parts of it, in Tampa, one idea that has been floating around the NBA is to have the Washington Wizards temporarily join the Atlantic Division alongside the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets , while Toronto (Tampa) would then move to the Southeast Division to join the Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic. 

One idea that has been floated if the Toronto Raptors play in Tampa, Florida for the 2020-21 season is to have the Washington Wizards temporarily join the Atlantic Division with BOS, BKN, NYK & PHI. Toronto (Tampa) would then join ATL, CHA, MIA & ORL in the Southeast Division.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) November 12, 2020