The Toronto Raptors reportedly reached out to the NBA multiple times this season about the Los Angeles Clippers tampering with star small forward Kawhi Leonard, according to Josh Lewenberg of The Sports Network.
The NBA fined Clippers head coach Doc Rivers on Friday $50,000 for publicly commenting on Leonard. Rivers said on ESPN's “SportsCenter” a few days ago Leonard is the closest thing we've seen to Michael Jordan.
The Raptors have reached out to the league multiple times this season when they've felt the Clippers have crossed a line in their not-so-subtle pursuit of Leonard, I'm told. Would imagine today's $50K anti-tampering fine had as much to do with those incidents as Doc's comments
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 31, 2019
The Clippers haven't been shy about their fondness for Leonard, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer once he declines his 2019-20 player option with the Raptors. The Athletic reported earlier in the season the Clippers have sent scouts to Raptors games to watch Leonard play.
Leonard has been heavily linked to joining the Clippers this summer. The three-time All-Star is from the California area and the Clips have cap space to sign two max contract players in the offseason.
The Raptors are hoping a trip to the Finals will help persuade Leonard to stay in Toronto, but it's clear the franchise is tired of the Clippers poaching their star player.
We'll see what Leonard decides to do this summer. The Raptors can offer him the most money and a fifth year on his contract.
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