According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, NBA executives believe superstar forward Kawhi Leonard will sign with either the LA Clippers or Raptors this summer.
The LA Clippers have been far from subtle in their attempts to recruit Kawhi Leonard so far this season, and it appears the rest of the NBA is taking them very seriously.
According to a report by ESPN.com’s Tim Bontemps, NBA executives collectively believe that Leonard will choose either the LA Clippers or Toronto Raptors this summer, when he could officially become a free agent.
Leonard has a player option for the 2019-2020 season — which he will likely decline, regardless of his decision — in order to earn a higher salary. And while he appears satisfied with his new home in Toronto, executives aren’t convinced that he’ll stay beyond this season, citing LA’s warm weather and a chance to go back to his hometown as the biggest draws:
"“If it comes down to those two teams, the chance for Leonard to come home and to stay away from snow could be the Clippers’ strongest argument.”"
Of course, the Clippers will have more to offer than warm weather and a place by the coast. Depending on how the team plays its cards, Leonard could be teaming up with another superstar in Kevin Durant, or join a team highlighted by the likes of Tobias Harris and Montrezl Harrell and complimented by potential rising stars in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson.
We may see some clues in regards to LA’s future plans during this month and the next. The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Clippers could help themselves soon by dealing multi-year players like Avery Bradley or Lou Williams. If fewer moves are made, signs may point to the Clippers pursuing solely Leonard; but several moves may signal a bigger plan.
My Co-Expert, Ryan Snellings, broke all this down in a post explaining LA’s cap situation, and what needs to happen for the Clippers to make their desired moves. I’d highly suggest taking a look at it if this whole thing seems complicated (which is normal, because it is).
Leonard, 27, is currently in the midst of a career-year with the Toronto Raptors, despite playing just nine games last season for the San Antonio Spurs. He’s putting up career-high averages of 27.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, all while leading the Raptors to a league-high 28 wins through January 2.
Regardless of what the Clippers decide to do this summer, we shouldn’t expect the Raptors to just let Leonard go. They’ll push hard to bring him back, assuming they end on good terms this season, and they certainly won’t make it easy on LA. Ultimately, though, it’s up to the player to decide what’s best.