Sorry, Toronto Raptors fans, but Kawhi Leonard’s presence in Barbados is not an indication that he has agreed to stay with the franchise.
In mid-June, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. offered Leonard a free vacation to the Caribbean island on the condition that he re-signed with the Raptors. So when pictures surfaced of Leonard vacationing in Barbados — wearing a Toronto Blue Jays jersey, no less — the rumor mill went into overdrive that Leonard may have already made his decision.
KAWHI IS WEARING A BLUE JAYS JERSEY IN BARBADOS. (Via r/torontoraptors) pic.twitter.com/xfIXMFIaK8
— Faizal Khamisa (@SNFaizalKhamisa) June 27, 2019
Not the case, according to BTMI. A spokesperson said that they are in no way sponsoring Leonard’s current vacation — but their offer of another still stands if he decides to stay.
Kawhi Leonard did not accept a free vacation to Barbados. A spokeswoman for BTMI Canada, the tourism board, said they did not sponsor Leonard’s “personal vacation” in any way. BTMI had offered a free trip it he agreed to stay with the Toronto Raptors. The offer still stands.
— Rob Gillies (@rgilliescanada) June 28, 2019
Unfortunately for Raptors fans, Leonard is going to hear out both Los Angeles teams once free agency starts. They can hold out hope that he has another Barbadian trip in his future, though.
