For a majority of the 2018-2019 regular season, the prevailing theory surrounding Toronto Raptors superstar forward Kawhi Leonard was that he would sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.
After all, the Clippers offered two max cap slots (meaning they could sign another superstar), a young roster that lost its best player to a midseason trade and still made a playoff run, as well as the opportunity to play in his hometown.
But with the city of Toronto showing utter adulation towards Leonard and the Raptors on the cusp of on NBA championship, there is more uncertainty with respect to Leonard's free agency this summer.
As such, the Clippers will enter this summer with the realization that signing Leonard may be an unrealistic expectation, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
The Clippers, those sources said, feel confident Leonard will answer the phone when they call on June 30, but beyond that, there is no way to know what impact Leonard’s Finals run will have. Those sources said the Clippers spend most of their time in meetings preparing for scenarios in which he doesn’t come to L.A.
Indeed, speculation has increased that Leonard may in fact decide to re-sign with the Raptors, cementing Toronto as a likely championship contender for years and potentially shifting the balance of power in the NBA.
For his part, Leonard has remained mostly silent on the issue, telling reporters that he was only focused on the task at hand: defeating the Warriors and winning his second title.
Still, the Clippers could be major players for a number of free agents this summer, including Leonard.
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