While every other top-15 player in our list of 2019’s best free agents came off the board on June 30, Kawhi Leonard took his time, lining up meetings and considering all his options. Five days later, he’s still weighing his decision.
For much of the season, the Clippers were considered Leonard’s most likely destination by league insiders. The team repeatedly sent executives to Raptors games, cleared its cap to make a run at Leonard (and another star), and gained a reputation as an increasingly stable, well-run organization.
However, after striking out on other top free agents this summer, the Clippers no longer look like a clear-cut favorite for Leonard, as they face intense competition for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year from two other clubs.
One of those clubs wasn’t a destination that was on Leonard’s wish list when he asked out of San Antonio last summer. However, the Raptors built a relationship with the star forward over the course of the most successful season in team history, helping him stay healthy and surrounding him with the talent necessary to win a championship.
The trust that Leonard established with his teammates, the front office, the coaches, and the training staff in Toronto could be an important factor as he weighs his decision, and no star has ever left in free agency immediately after winning a title. Still, rumors persist that the Southern California native wants to return home to Los Angeles, which was his reported desire when his trade request first surfaced in 2018.
That alleged desire to move to Los Angeles helped fuel the Clippers rumors, but it also makes the Lakers a very viable landing spot for the Finals MVP. Having secured a deal for Anthony Davis and nearly carved out enough cap room for a maximum-salary slot, the Lakers can sell Leonard on an AD-LeBron James-Kawhi “Big Three” that would immediately make the franchise the overwhelming frontrunner for the 2020 title.
There has been increasing chatter over the last week or two that the Lakers are a strong contender for Leonard, with Cris Carter of Fox Sports 1 suggesting this morning on First Things First (video link) that he views the Lakers as the best fit for Kawhi.
Carter has a long-standing relationship with the San Diego State alum and his reps, so it’s possible his opinion is being influenced by what he has heard from Leonard’s camp. However, as of late, the rumor mill has pointed as much toward a Raptors return as a move to the Lakers.
In other words, no one really knows anything. But for what it’s worth, Carter believes an announcement from Leonard’s camp will come today. I probably wouldn’t recommend betting the house on that, but with the process apparently nearing an end, we want to get your predictions on Leonard’s decision.
Will Kawhi be a Clipper, Raptor, or Laker in 2019/20?
Vote in our poll below, then to the comment section to explain your thinking.
Trade Rumors app users, click here to vote.
I think he goes to the Lakers on a 1 and 1. To ensure that AD resigns and he’s not stuck without another guy. The Raptors whole team is pretty much on expiring contracts next year. So if he goes to the Raptors it’s def on a 1 year deal. Also to c how the Lakers FO and team sorta itself out next year before committing there long term. But Kawhi will b a laker if not this season, next season.
GSW: Kawhi
Minny: D-Lo
Raptors: Wiggins
TELL ME IM WRONG (jk please dont)
Lol. Warriors are done
That’s ok warriors tore it up and smashed records no team can be great forever. We did the damage and now will rebuild. Will be fun watching teams try to match that. It’s a win win win situation. Enjoying the offseason mix up. Gonna be a good year of NBA no matter what.
Don’t care if it’s a joke, you’re still wrong
I feel it is 50% Toronto, 40% Lakers, 10% Clippers, and I am probably being generous with the 10% on the Clippers.
I feel like it’s 100% for the team he already knows he’s signing with. The decision is made.
TMac, Vince Carter, Bosh.. Kawhi next to leave
It’s ironic that the player who wanted to be in Toronto the most was the guy they shipped out to get him in the first place.
yeah BUT they would not have beaten Philly much less GS with Demar dude is a really nice player but not one to come up big in the clutch.
You are 100% correct and the Raps absolutely made the right move. I did really feel for DeMar though. Watching that team win a title must have been hard.
I think it’s really just 50/50 between the Clippers and the Raptors. I dont see why such a smart person would pick the Lakers
Lol..
Clippers are out. It’s either Lakers or Toronto
Because if he signs there that team will be on national tv almost every night. He’ll be playing with two guys who will actually make his game better in some ways, and, he’s a willing passer who doesn’t need to score 30 every night. And LBJ will fade into the third guy role by 2020… and soon enough it will be Kawhi and AD… they will dominate the league together for the next 5-8 years.
Lebron would be the third wheel right away. Kawhi just won on his own I don’t get the “he needs lebron” narrative
Right. LeBron needs Kawhi at this point. Ya not the other way around. I agree.
The problem with this theory is that it assumes he wants the drama that goes with the Lakers. Nothing in Kawhi’s history suggests he wants that drama in any way. There’s also the fact the Lakers are “LeBron’s team”. Why would he want to be the second guy? I know why fans want that but why would Kawhi? I don’t think the Lakers are as attractive a location to Kawhi as people think.
@JonnyLucas
Are you saying that Kawhi is a willing passer? He averages 1.8 assists a game for his whole career!
Career 2.4. Last year almost 3.5. Yeah, he’s developed into a willing passer.
Sorry my bad – it is 2.4, but still, I’ve seen him play in the playoffs. His passing is mostly a biproduct of his driving, i.e. he drives through the paint, gets doubleteamed, and has to get rid of the ball as soon as possible. A lot of the times, it lead to some bad turnovers (much to my dismay, since I was cheering for the Raptors to win the title, after Denver got eliđinated).
I agree. However JL was careful in his wording.
On the Lakers, he will be less likely to be double-teamed, so his assists will go back down. He doesn’t really interact well enough to be an assist guy.
Kawhi a smart person?
We’re talking about a guy’s childhood dreams. The child is father to the man.
And he would not have to work as hard to carry a team… Gasol, Ibaka with his futile 3s, Lowry, Green are not getting any younger. Anunoby played 75% at the 4, not very well, anyway Siakam is there, so that talent is somewhat wasted.
I know, I know… it’s his right to have taken so long… he’s earned it, no doubt…. but sheesh!!! C’mon already!!! Let’s get the show on the road!!!
Your lack of patience shows you must not be a baseball fan. Free agency takes like 5 months the past couple seasons
There should be an other option. I think he will sign with the Bulls just to **** everyone over
Raptors. It’s the right move.
The poll should have just said “what team do you want KL to join” because that’s the answer everyone is going to give
That’s not true,i picked Toronto,but I want him to go to the Clippers,and I’d rather him go to La altogether,rather than stay in Toronto.Im a 6er fan,and he’s not coming to Philly,so I want him as far away as possible.But I still think it’ll be Toronto.
I feel like if it was Toronto he would have already announced. I feel like him and his reps are prepping for damage control once he announces one of the LA teams(most likely the Lakers).
Lakers fans: super teams are dumb
Also Lakers fans: we gotta sign Bron, AD, Kawhi, Boogie, Melo, MJ, Kobe, Giannis, Bronny, Klay, KD, Steph Curry and every woman Wilt slept with!!!
Haha, right?
No not even close to right. People do love to hate the Lakers, though, because they have nothing better to do.
Lakers fans: 16 championship banners , yawn, might as well put a 17th in the rafters.
Everyone else: Yawn, Lakers fans are talking about the championships won before most of them were born again.
lol That sentence being technically correct, nevertheless implies that Lakers fans are “born again” Christians!– When everyone thinks otherwise based on Hollywood’s reputation! ;)
If he has a brain he’d stay away from the Lakers so we’ll see
Biz decision: Toronto. Getting to 10 year milestone gives him huge contract boost. Will do a 1+1. Goes to Fakers after LBJ gone. KL doesn’t like drama…won’t be whipping boy.
Sign and trade to Portland
He will definitely become a laker today no if’s ands or but’s.
Lakers Fan For Life
I hoop a mystery team swoops in and gets him.
Either that or he resigns with the Raptors.
That just sounds like an empty hoops rumor.
I think he takes the Shanghai Sharks all the way next year
He chose the Raptors . Should be coming down later tonight.
I do think Magic created a lot of drama. Which is ironic that KL wanted to talk to him. Too early to tell how Pelinka ends up. I do think the Lakers have done a very, very good job drafting late 1st round and early second. That makes a difference if you have a good record and late choices. My early hope was the Lakers didn’t add a max contract. I thought there were good choices. KL was the only guy I thought might be different. And as it played out, those other FA’s ended up being very expensive. I’m afraid we won’t have enough to compete for championship if we don’t get KL now. And next years FAs are not that great.
He just proved he could win a title while being the only superstar. He doesn’t need AD or Bron. He has proven he can win as the only superstar and by signing a deal to be the only superstar, he could put his name in the running as one of the greatest players of all time if he wins 1 or 2 more championships on his own. That won’t happen with the Lakers. The raptors have the best supporting cast but if he wants to go to LA, the Clippers could be realistic
How ’bout a sign and trade? He signs with Toronto who then extracts something of value from the Clippers? At least make 2 of the 3 teams happy. I’d say do the trade with the Lakers but they have nothing to trade.
Like this, but with GSW moving Dlo to the Wolves and Wiggins goes to the Raptors, Kawhi to GSW.
No.
You don’t understand how a S&T works. It starts with the eventual team and the player reaching a deal – has KL been speaking with GS about a deal-?
Lakers have Kuzma who can and should be traded, as another forward on a team that just signed two of the best and may get a third. Also he is mediocre. Unfortunately his contract is only for about $2mil.
People you are idiots if u think lebron is going to be a third wheel, no way!
I believe the longer he takes, the more likely he is to re-sign in Toronto.
For everyone saying he proved he doesn’t need another super star if golden state would’ve been healthy they would have swept the raptors.. not even close raptors might’ve won one game
So what. History doesn’t care about whiners.
I’m not no golden state fan last thing than that but if they would’ve been healthy like they were every year they played Cleveland the raptors wouldn’t have won
True enough. But for that to matter Kawhi has to be disappointed in the Toronto title. No sign of that, though of course with Kawhi there’s no sign of anything! Can’t tell for sure.
Like kawhi just left and he told the clippers they had to make a trade for PG to go there bc he wants another superstar on his team because he knows he got very lucky last year
I think Kawhi’s biggest concern is his quads. While it makes the most sense to sign a 2year with Toronto, he might wonder if his legs will hold out well enough for a 4or5year max after 2 years. It is shocking to a person when the legs don’t go and even with load management, he was limping and often not elevating in the playoffs.
His dream is the Lakers and why should Lebron’s presence keep him out and control his choice? Is it his dreams as a kid, or– his legacy to certain people like ayee & Daryl that matter?
Tough call. He’s not swift mentally and is probably hoping for a sign. His upcoming pick is almost random. I picked Toronto because either he or the Lakers (with a roster to fill) will give up on waiting and the status quo will win.
The Clips could win if the Lakers give up and Kawhi is still not convinced about Toronto.
If I were a FA looking at signing as a backup wherever or the Lakers as a starter, depending on getting a promise from Pelinka, I might hold off signing anywhere until this plays out. Delon Wright, Khem Birch, Yogi Ferrell, Tyus Jones, Cousins…
As a Lakers fan would love to have him now as an unbiased opinion and I know some will laugh because I said I am a Lakers fan I think it’s the Lakers and if not the Lakers and the clippers. This guy seems really obsessed with California was born in raised in San Diego could’ve went to any top college to play college ball but he chose San Diego State. Could’ve chosen Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina and so on but wanted to stay in California then the guy wins a title in San Antonio and what do we hear a couple years later he wants to be traded to Los Angeles. Now he lives with his family in Los Angeles and he made every team interested in him come out to Los Angeles to talk to him I find that very telling. Then there is the Chris Carter factor who is been very close with Leonard and his family for many years and this morning he said he sees the Lakers as the best bet could this be him saying what he has heard from Leonard and his camp possibly. I asked and foremost there is history when have we ever seen a top free agents enter free agency and not immediately sign with the team they were playing for only two signed with them a week later it has never happened. Normally if the top free agent does not sign with that team before free agency or the day of free agency they always end up moving to another team. I still think we will not hear from Leonard until at the very least tomorrow because I believe he is waiting to talk to Anthony Davis to find out what his plans are because Davis will be a Laker as of midnight Eastern time and then he can officially speak to Leonard as a member of the Lakers and can tell Leonard what he plans on doing. I truly believe this is what is holding everything up this may not even be a question of where he signs but more of for how long.
Players can talk to each other any time as far as I know.
You really need to use paragraphs & give our eyes a break. Every once in a while hit the tab/entry key once or twice.
It’s Lakers..woj said the deal is a long term one…Toronto is not a good long term option…sad to say it but as one superteam exits another will replace it
He will get in the wayback machine and sign with the Chicago Stags or the Syracuse Nationals