Jalen Rose, who played for the Toronto Raptors during his NBA career, wants Kawhi Leonard to stay with the franchise this summer.

However, Rose believes Leonard will sign with the LA Clippers should he decide to leave the Raptors.

 “I hope – I really hope – he stays in Toronto,” Rose told Alex Kennedy of Hoops Hype. “It would be amazing for him as a performer – because they’re balling this year and have a chance to do some great things – and it would be amazing for their fans, who have had so many big-time players ultimately end up leaving. As you know, I would want to see him stay.

“But if he does leave, I think it’s almost a sure bet that he ends up with the Los Angeles Clippers.

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Kawhi Leonard becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer once he declines his 2019-20 player option with the Raptors. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year has been heavily linked to the Clippers, who will have cap space to sign two max contract players this summer.

After only playing in nine games last season with the San Antonio Spurs due to a lingering quadriceps injury, Leonard has been a monster this year for the Raptors. The All-Star swingman is averaging 27.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 49.7 percent from the field, 37.8 percent from beyond the arc and 85.5 percent from the free-throw line.

Leonard is from California, and although he's enjoyed his time with the Raptors, there's a belief in league circles The Claw wants to be in a warmer climate.