Three reasons why Kawhi Leonard won’t join the LA Clippers this summer
Reason One: Kawhi Knows What To Expect
Let me preface my reasoning with this: Kawhi staying doesn’t necessarily mean he signs long-term. Whether he opts in to his last year, signs a 1+1 deal or does something extremely unexpected, I expect him to stay regardless.
The roster is a big part of why.
Let’s take a look at next year’s guarnateed salaries for the Toronto Raptors.
- Kyle Lowry – $33,296,296
- Marc Gasol – $25,595,700 (Player Option)
- Serge Ibaka – $23,271,605
- Kawhi Leonard – $21,329,750 (Player Option)
- Norman Powell – $10,116,576
- Fred VanVleet – $9,456,163
- Pascal Siakam– $2,351,839
- OG Anunoby – $2,281,800
That’s eight of this year’s current roster, assuming both Gasol and Leonard either re-up or take their options. Out of the Raptors playoff rotation this season, only one notable player is missing: Danny Green.
Green could easily be convinced to come back to Toronto, so the team would essentially be running it back.
Kawhi knows exactly what he is getting with this group. He knows they are capable of winning games while he sits out for load management. He knows they can elevate their game in the postseason. He doesn’t know that about the Clippers’ players.
Sure, he can see the same things we do on TV. But being there and playing with a group of guys is entirely different. Leaving a comfortable basketball situation that obviously works is going to be extremely tough to do. Even if Masai Ujiri leaves, the team he assembled will still be there. Running it back is far from a bad idea and the Raptors would quickly become favorites to win back-to-back.