The Clippers continue to be obsessed with the top of the 2019 free agency class and with a recent report reiterating Kawhi Leonard‘s desire to be in Los Angeles, Steve Ballmer‘s squad isn’t likely to let up anytime soon. The Raptors are not concerned with the Clippers’ efforts, as aggressive as they may be, team sources tell Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Raptors officials have previously claimed that a Clippers’ employee has attended about three-quarters of Toronto’s games this season but a source tells Amick that the figure is closer to 25%. Still, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank and his team in the front office are doing everything within the league’s rules to up the odds of the franchise landing the former NBA Finals MVP.
NBA squads are allowed to gather as much intel about rival players as possible that might shape their free agency pitch, including both on and off court information. There’s a grey area when it comes to distinguishing the lines between research and recruiting, Amick explains. Teams are not allowed to recruit directly, though they can build relationships with people around a free-agent-to-be.
Up until recently, Leonard was unaware Clippers’ officials had been attending his games nor did he know what Frank even looked like, as Amick details. The scribe was with the head of the Clippers’ front office directly after last week’s game between the two squads. Leonard briefly embraced Amick while ignoring the front office executive and although some may see this as a case of Leonard and Frank consciously creating a ruse in front of a media member, Leonard simply isn’t wired that way, Amick writes.
Many within the league believe that the next six months will play a big part in determining Leonard’s decision. How far Toronto goes in the playoffs and how well he clicks with his coach, teammates, and the city will be factors. One source close to the situation pegs Leonard’s chances of staying up north as “50-50.”
Teammate Kyle Lowry isn’t sure if Leonard will call Toronto home long-term but the point guard is certain that Leonard is enjoying his time on the court.
“We don’t have to read him, because he talks to us,” Lowry said of Leonard. “He’s our teammate. He’s a guy we talk to every day. He’s awesome. He’s enjoying being back on the floor playing basketball at a high level. That’s what he’s really enjoying. I think he missed playing basketball last year, and I think people take that [for granted] When you lose the game for a little while, you’re like, ‘Man, that’s a tough thing.’ But when you get it back, it’s like, ‘Wow.’
“I don’t know [if Toronto fits him]. That’s a question where his individualized personality is going to have to step in [and determine it].”
Lawrence Frank was in the tunnel after a game in Toronto standing next to Sam Amick. Kawhi shook hands with Amick and walked right by Frank, not even knowing who he was. lol
Try reading HR articles too.
Where do you think they got this from? I contacted them and told it came from NBC Sports. I read everything. Been saying that a long time. You have problems listening and understanding.
Ptn- Of course you read & watch a lot of NBA news. Nobody said otherwise.
But you didn’t read this article before posting on it, I think a habit with you on HR. You repeated a story in the article like it was fresh news nobody had just read!
I doubt you read other poster’s posts either before commenting on them, as you don’t seem to get their meaning or connect with their points. That is rude.
For instance your last response does not recognize the problem with your OP. Instead you dredge up the same angry imaginings.
IDK what you mean, you contact HR and alert them to stories. But HR has a staff for keeping informed and does not need you.
Dude, Sam Amick got this article from attending the Raptors game. While what I wrote is not included here, it was in the article in NBC Sports. They are from the same article. You are on this my stuff isn’t related to try and get me banned. What you don’t seem to understand is I read a lot on the internet to try and help Luke and his guys out. I have a lot of free time. If you look at the top of this site, it says contact us with tips. I am, very intelligent, have limited experience in journalism. I enjoy helping them out. I’m retired, and this gives me someting to do.
k
This is what journalists would call a human interest story.
The story was already told.
what a squid – he makes a baby’s bottom look rock solid
Of course it’s 50/50 that he stays, everything in life is 50/50. He either does or he doesn’t, period.
I don’t think that’s how odds work. Either we live or die doesn’t mean the odds of us dying now are 50/50…..wait…..what if that’s what it means?!?!?
I think I saw this movie before… Never Ending Story.
Screw the Clippers. Stay in the East. Toronto or NY
Every day he stays with the Raptors (without a negative incident) he becomes more likely to re-up there. Lowry said best; they don’t have “read” him, talk to sources, etc. The sources that are saying things like 50/50, the next 6 months could matter, x, y and z could be important – are really saying they have no clue.
Agree that nobody has any idea. But the Raptors are such the best bet to clear the EC. If that happens, Leonard will have that percolating in his mind when he chooses. (I still like Detroit as a long-odds bet, but the odds have gotten longer!)
Ballmer would throw more money at him if he could but legally he is limited, and Leonard is not totally motivated by that anyway.