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The Los Angeles Lakers, L.A. Clippers, and Toronto Raptors are waiting on 2019 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to make his free agency decision. According to Jabari Young of The Athletic, Leonard is still mulling his decision and will not make it on Wednesday night. In fact, Young says it could take a few days.
On the Kawhi front, told he’s not making a decision tonight and it may not be until the next few days. He and his reps are going through the process and taking their time before deciding the next move. No 2-year deals have been discussed. #NBA @TheAthleticNBA
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) July 4, 2019
Leonard's camp has remained mum on the free agent process, but various rumors have revealed that the two-time NBA champion has met with the Lakers and the Clippers on Tuesday.
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Recently, Leonard reportedly met with the Raptors to hear their pitch. Analysts believe that Leonard's best option is to ink a two-year deal with the second year as a player option, but apparently that hasn't been discussed. Either he stays with the Raptors or signs with another team.
A 1 + 1 deal would give him some flexibility, as he would maximize the money he'd make. If he inks a 1 + 1 deal with the Raptors, Lakers or the Clippers, Leonard can use the first year to gauge if the team can be a legitimate contender in the long run. If not, he can easily move on and head to free agency in 2021. Also, the cap space in 2021 is expected to be higher, which means Leonard can ink a heftier max deal.
For now though, it appears only longer deals have been discussed, but a lot can change by the time Leonard actually agrees to a deal.
