The New York Knicks may not be considered the favorite to sign Kawhi Leonard this summer, but they are expecting him to at least listen to what they have to say.
The Knicks are planning to pursue just about all of the top free agents on the market this offseason, and Marc Berman of the New York Post reports that president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry are anticipating that they will be able to make their pitch to Leonard at some point. While Leonard has more frequently been linked to the Los Angeles Clippers or Los Angeles Lakers if he decides to leave Toronto, Berman notes that he has some ties to the New York area. His uncle and business manager Dennis Robertson is from New Jersey, and Leonard spent some time there last year while rehabbing from his quad injury.
Every top player has essentially been linked to every big-market team at this point, so Leonard seems just as likely to sign with the Knicks as any team. Recent reports have indicated that the Brooklyn Nets may be the frontrunner for Kyrie Irving, but that may actually help the Knicks in their pursuit of Leonard. Unlike Kevin Durant who supposedly wants to team up with at least one other star, Leonard may prefer to go someplace — or stay in the same place — where he can be the clear No. 1 guy.
The Raptors are two wins away from capturing their first ever NBA title, and Leonard is the main reason for that. It initially appeared that they had no chance of re-signing him beyond this season, but there have been some strong hints recently that he could stick around for at least another year.
