Photo: NBA/Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors Are Finalizing New Home Ahead Of 2020-21 Season

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 by January, or at least have low enough new cases for Canada to open its borders for international travel.

While Louisville had previously been considered as a prime guest host for the Raptors in the coming season, Kansas City also seemed to aim for the role of the Raptors’ temporary home. But according to a report by the Daily News, the Toronto Raptors have inquired about the availability of the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

A move to New Jersey would be preferenced by the NBA because of its proximity to the Raptors’ division opponents. The Atlantic Division consists of the Toronto Raptors, the New York Knicks, the Brooklyn Nets, the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers. 

The former home of the New Jersey Nets is about 15 miles from the Nets’ new home in Brooklyn, and about the same distance from Madison Square Garden. It only takes about 90 minutes to the Sixers’ home, and even Boston’s TD Garden only is 225 miles north.