By Jordan Long
The Toronto Raptors are into the offseason after celebrating their first NBA Championship in franchise history. They know they could lose Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard who has a player option for 2020. If he decides to opt-out of his contract, which all signs point to that happening, Leonard would be the top prized free agent in free agency which starts on June 30 at 4 P.M. MT.
If Leonard is available many teams would be interested in him. He is an offensive weapon who can score everywhere on the court. He averaged 26.6 points per game in the regular season. During the Raptors playoff run, he scored 30.5 points per game.
Not only can Leonard score, he can play defense. Leonard is usually on the opponents’ best shooter. Leonard makes it difficult for them to score. He averaged 1.8 steals this season.
Leonard will have his pick of teams. One place he may sign with is the L.A. Clippers. The Clippers don’t have a “superstar”. They have two shooters in Danilo Gallinari and Lou Williams. After that the Clippers team is a bunch of role players.
According to CBSsports.com, ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski said, “The reality is Kawhi Leonard’s focus is on Los Angeles, but it’s the Clippers not the Lakers. No. 1, they [Lakers] don’t have the money to sign him. And two, the idea of him being a third wheel on a superteam, that has not been Kawhi’s M.O. The Clippers are poised to be able to lure him from Toronto. This would be a Raptors/Clippers fight. He may take meetings with more teams, but it’s not even certain that he’d take a meeting with the Lakers right now.”
Adding Leonard makes this team more dangerous on the offensive and defensive end. The problem is it may not improve them that much in the standings. They were the 8th seed in the Western Conference this past season. With Leonard that might improve to the 6th seed. Their talent with him is not better than the Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, or the Portland Trail Blazers.
Leonard is better off staying in Toronto. They built a championship team with him. If he stays, there is a chance they can win back-to-back titles. He could also sign a large deal to remain with the franchise for years to come. There are plenty of options for Leonard if he decides to become a free agent.
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