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LA Clippers Rumored to be Firmly in mix for Kawhi Leonard Next Summer

By Garrett Chorpenning

SAN ANTONIO,TX - JANUARY 13 : Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs bows his head during the playing of the National Anthem before the start of his game against the Denver Nuggets at AT&T Center on January 13, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO,TX - JANUARY 13 : Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs bows his head during the playing of the National Anthem before the start of his game against the Denver Nuggets at AT&T Center on January 13, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /
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Though currently a member of the Toronto Raptors, future free agent forward Kawhi Leonard is still expected to join the Clippers or Lakers next summer.

Kawhi Leonard has found his new home — for now. The former San Antonio Spurs forward was traded to Toronto in July, in exchange for Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan. It was a solid trade for both parties involved, but it doesn’t seem too early for the Raptors to begin worrying about Leonard’s future with the team.

After all, he made it clear he wanted to be in Los Angeles. It’s very possible Leonard opts-out after this season and becomes a free agent, able to choose his next destination.

According to Sporting News’ Sean Deveney, Leonard’s mindset hasn’t changed. He still wants to come to Los Angeles next summer, to either the Clippers or the Lakers.

"“Most around the league still expect that Leonard will look to return home to Southern California, either to join LeBron James with the Lakers or bring his star power to the Clippers.”"

While this isn’t exactly news to those keeping up with the Clippers and their future endeavors, it is certainly a good sign. The free agency pool next summer is going to be one of the most loaded in recent memory, potentially featuring the likes of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, and Klay Thompson.

Per the LA Times’ Brad Turner, LA could have as much as $70 million free next summer. That’s enough for two max players, and more money than virtually any other team could offer.

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Not only could the Clippers land Leonard, then, but they could also pair him with an elite guard in Irving or Butler.

However, all of this is of course speculation. There are those who believe that Leonard may re-sign in Toronto, assuming all things go well this season, which is fairly likely. Without LeBron James in the East, the Raptors will have a much easier path to success. The Celtics, 76ers, and Pacers may prove difficult, but after all, it has been James’ Cavaliers that have eliminated the Raptors in back-to-back-to-back seasons.

How aggressive the Clippers will be in their pursuit of Leonard is unknown, but based on how this summer went, it wouldn’t be surprising to see an all-out effort by the front office.

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