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Toronto Raptors roundtable: offseason summary and thoughts

By Mike Bossetti

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 8 - Toronto Raptor DeMar DeRozan talks with Raptors Norman Powell (24) in the 1st half as the Toronto Raptors host the Orlando Magic in Air Canada Centre, Toronto, April 8. April 8, 2018. Bernard Weil/Toronto Star (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 8 - Toronto Raptor DeMar DeRozan talks with Raptors Norman Powell (24) in the 1st half as the Toronto Raptors host the Orlando Magic in Air Canada Centre, Toronto, April 8. April 8, 2018. Bernard Weil/Toronto Star (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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SHANGHAI, CHINA – AUGUST 23: NBA star Kawhi Leonard of San Antonio Spurs attends a fan meeting during his China tour at NBA Playzone on August 23, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA – AUGUST 23: NBA star Kawhi Leonard of San Antonio Spurs attends a fan meeting during his China tour at NBA Playzone on August 23, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images) /

Question: What are the Raptors’ chances of signing Kawhi Leonard past this season?

Mark Birdsell:

The initial reports after Kawhi got traded were that he had no interest in playing in Toronto.

Since that time, ESPN has reported that Kawhi is warming up to the idea of playing for the Raptors. Also, Mark Zeigler of The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that someone close to Kawhi has said he is going to fall in love with Toronto and he isn’t going to leave.

Kawhi is a private person. It has been stated that his preference is to end up with the Lakers. However, Kawhi has never said that publicly. He might not want to deal with the media circus that surrounds LeBron James and the Ball family.

The Raptors will be able to offer Kawhi a five-year, $190 million contract. No other team can offer more than four-years and $141 million. If the Raptors make a deep playoff run, Kawhi might decide that he is better off in the eastern conference and stay in Toronto.

Jordan Skuse:

All depends on what kind of season Toronto has. Above all else, players are loyal to winning. If they make the NBA Finals, I think he re-signs. If they get up to their ‘old playoff tricks’ and sputter, I think he bolts.

Right now, I’d say the the probability of him staying in Toronto long-term exceeds 50 percent (as I consider Toronto the favourites to come out of the East following the trade). Finally, there are reports out of Leonard’s camp that suggest they are convinced the former Finals MVP will “fall in love with Toronto”.

Thomas Valentine:

Hopefully higher than everyone is suggesting right now, because it seems quite low at this point. Personally, I think there is a great chance of Kawhi staying in Toronto past this year. It’s a team with a bright coach and an attractive style of play.

Toronto is a fantastic basketball city and should be willing to welcome Kawhi Leonard with open arms, that should be no problem. If everything clicks on the court then I’m quietly confident Kawhi could fall in love with Toronto.

Matt Stocco:

Reports have been coming out that Kawhi is “warming up” to the idea of playing in Toronto. Every fan should be excited by this. While Kawhi might want to play in LA, he might not if LA has a poor showing in the West, and Toronto goes deep into the playoffs.

Predicting the Raptors starting lineup next season. light. Must Read

While no one is 100% certain why Kawhi wanted out of San Antonio, the draw of being on one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, and being the best player in that conference will be alluring to him. Right now, I would place the chances at 30%, but hoping that will increase to around 50-60% as the season moves on.