Despite the short time between the trade that shook the NBA world this offseason, Kawhi Leonard is expected to return to Toronto and join the Raptors for training camp shortly, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN.
President Masai Ujiri indicated that his star forward would be “ready to roll” by the start of camp, saying that he has been working out “very, very hard” during the offseason.
Leonard has spent most of his summer in San Diego, taking part in the occasional workout alongside other NBA stars while ramping up activity beyond one-on-one training scenarios.
“He's happy, and from what everybody has told me he's healthy,” said Ujiri. “He's determined. He seems in the right frame of mind… I think there's a fire inside him and we're all excited about that.”
Ujiri was careful not to say anything definitive when it comes to Leonard's health, despite him being cleared by team doctors, which allowed the trade with the San Antonio Spurs to be completed.
The 2014 Finals MVP played in only nine games last season after coming back from injury, going back on the shelf shortly due to his own discomfort.
The Raptors might have a top-five player on their hands if Leonard proves to be healthy enough from the get-go, something they will ultimately need if they hope to sell him on being the franchise player in Toronto and making him stay by the time free agency comes around.
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