The Raptors have plenty of options if they need to find a temporary home in the United States, but team officials are optimistic that they will be able to play the upcoming season in Toronto, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post.
Sources tell Berman that the NBA is working with the U.S. and Canadian governments to develop new guidelines regarding visiting teams coming into Toronto. Canada currently has restrictions on travel from the United States to protect against the spread of COVID-19.
The Raptors believe they can find a safe way to resume playing at their home court at Scotiabank Arena, Berman adds, but it’s unlikely that fans will be allowed in the facility when NBA games resume next month. Government-sponsored coronavirus tests might be required for all visiting teams when they arrive at the Toronto airport, according to sources.
Kansas City, Seattle, Nashville, Buffalo and Tampa Bay have been mentioned as potential locations for the Raptors this season if Canadian travel restrictions remain in place. The Nets’ former arena in Newark has also been floated as a possibility considering the league’s intent to cut down on travel, but sources tell Berman all those cities should be considered “long shots.”
More must-reads: