Toronto Raptors star small forward Kawhi Leonard reportedly has his eyes set on going back home to Los Angeles.
Kawhi Leonard can become an unrestricted free agent after this season if he declines his 2019-20 player option with the Raptors. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, that could be a possibility, as the two-time Defensive Player of the Year has been focused on “home and L.A.”
“They [Toronto] can't change the geography,” Wojnarowski said. “They can't change the weather in Toronto. Those were always going to things against them in this. Home and L.A. has been the focus for Kawhi Leonard through all of this.”
Leonard grew up in Los Angeles. When the two-time All-Star requested a trade from the San Antonio Spurs, he reportedly told the Spurs he preferred to be traded to the Lakers or Clippers. Some believe now that LeBron James is on the Lakers, Leonard prefers to join the Clippers so that he doesn't have to live in the shadow of The King.
Leonard's first season with the Raptors is going very well. He is putting up MVP-type numbers as the Raptors remain first place in the Eastern Conference with a 23-8 record.
The 27-year-old is averaging 26.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game and shooting 48.7 percent from the field, 39.3 percent from beyond the arc and 85.5 percent from the free-throw line.
The only advantage the Raptors have in the Leonard sweepstakes is they can offer him the most money and a fifth year in the contract.
Follow Us
Subscribe