Kawhi Leonard has enjoyed tremendous success in his first season with the Toronto Raptors and is the main reason the team is just three wins away from capturing a title, and that has led many to wonder if he will stick around beyond this year. As of now, there seems to be plenty of reason for optimism.
Michael Landsberg of TSN 1050 in Toronto said Monday that he has been told by multiple sources that Leonard purchased property in Toronto. Leonard also owns property in his native Southern California, which was often cited as a reason for his potential desire to sign with the Lakers or Clippers. While pro athletes have real estate all over for investment purposes, Leonard buying property in Toronto seems more significant than if he bought some place like, say, Miami.
Landsberg also had David Thorpe of TrueHoops.com on his show as a guest, and Thorpe said he has gotten the impression from talking to people that Leonard could re-sign with the Raptors for at least another year or two. The most likely scenario would probably be a two-year deal with an opt-out after the first year, similar to the contracts LeBron James signed when he was still with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thorpe said one consideration for Leonard is that the Raptors are already “his team,” whereas he would be hesitant to team up with another superstar and not be the No. 1 guy.
The Raptors took a major risk when they acquired Leonard in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs, and in some ways it has already paid off. Even if he leaves in free agency this summer, he still helped them reach the Finals for the first time in franchise history.
If Leonard does decide to leave Toronto after one season, he has been heavily linked to one team in particular. Still just 27, it’s conceivable that Leonard has enjoyed his time with the Raptors enough to give it at least another season.
