The Toronto Raptors are expected to move heaven and earth to keep All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard from taking his talents elsewhere this summer, when the eight-year veteran is expected to enter free agency for the first time in his career.
Toronto gave up valuable assets to acquire Leonard, knowing that he could eventually end up as a single-season rental for the Raptors. Leonard, who could become a free agent this summer if he decides to opt out of the final season of his five-year, $94.34 million contract, has proven himself to be worth the risk with the Raptors sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings.
There's plenty that can change by the end of the season but Toronto has the upper hand at this point, especially if they would go deep into the playoffs this season.
However, according to ESPN‘s Tim Bontemps, the Los Angeles Clippers have a shot at signing Leonard. Furthermore, league executives are convinced that Leonard — a California-native — will eventually choose between the Raptors and the Clippers. While winning could turn the tides into Toronto's favor, Bontemps believes that the Clippers have something that the Raptors can't ever offer to the 27-year-old superstar — “being at home and year-round warm weather.”
Leonard, who spent nine seasons in San Antonio before the blockbuster trade last summer, revealed that he is still adjusting to his new home. While some may not believe it makes much of a difference for a professional basketball player who has enough money to live anywhere he wants, Leonard has specifically mentioned the difference between the weather in Toronto and California.
“It's just cold,” Leonard said of the weather in Toronto. “You know, I came from California, and I moved to San Antonio, and there's no snow in either city. It's my first experience having Christmas with snow on the ground.”
A two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Leonard is having a solid debut season in Toronto, averaging career-highs 27.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three-point range. Given the significant changes the Raptors made in the summer, including swapping DeMar Derozan for Leonard, The Claw is considered to be one of main MVP contenders this season.
The Raptors are currently 28-11 and will look to extend their current two-game winning streak when they collide with the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.
Leonard's first game against his former team.
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