Should Toronto Raptors worry about the Clippers pursuit of Kawhi Leonard?

The Los Angeles Clippers have developed an aggressive strategy to recruit Kawhi Leonard after he becomes a free agent. Should Toronto Raptor fans be concerned?

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently reported on the Clippers’ aggressive and “revolutionary” approach to putting themselves in the best possible position to sign the Toronto Raptors’ newly acquired superstar Kawhi Leonard. The best two-way player in the league becomes a free agent this offseason and his possible departure from Toronto has been covered from nearly every angle.

In his report, Windhorst describes how“Raptors officials have noticed a Clippers employee at roughly 75 percent of the team’s games.”  The Clippers contend that the number is closer to 50 percent, but then again, who’s counting.

Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations, has also been present at several Raptor games, something Windhorst admits is quite rare.

"“Presidents and general managers are almost never seen attending a game that doesn’t involve their teams.”"

The Clippers, it seems, are doing everything in their power to change the image and reputation that the franchise has developed over the past couple of decades, in hopes of bringing in a star player this off-season which includes Kawhi Leonard.

They have hired former NBA playing great and executive Jerry West to boost their recruitment efforts. Presumably, the Clippers feel “The Logo” will add a level of professionalism when it comes to bringing in some of the top free agents this summer, a crop of players that include Leonard, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker, Jimmy Butler, and Klay Thompson.

The Clippers have also hired Sports Illustrated writer Lee Jenkins (writer of LeBron’s return to Cleveland article) for a position in which they hope he

"“can translate his talent, ethics, and instincts as a storyteller and his unique study of people into the franchise’s ambitious basketball pursuits.”"

In a Good Place

Aside from putting the pieces in place in the front office, the Clippers have done a remarkable job on the court as well. They have surprised many this year with their strong start this season (17-10, good enough for fourth in the West as of December 12). Strong seasons by Tobias Harris, who is averaging 21 PPG, Lou Williams, who has been gold off the bench and Canadian rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has flourished in a starting role, have all contributed to the Clippers success this year. Even Danilo Gallinari is having a bit of a renaissance this year.

Coach Doc Rivers seems to be in a great place too, despite the fact that he’s given up the role of President and relinquished it to former assistant coach Lawrence Frank. Rivers has set a positive tone and winning culture within the franchise, one that was certainly not predictable after the breakup of Lob City at the end of the 2017 season.

The Clippers are good. Maybe even really good. They have made significant in-roads into shedding the “Clippers of old” reputation? But will it be enough?

Financial Position

To lure potential free agents such as Leonard, Durant, and Butler, the Clippers would have to have the financial freedom to do so. With the salary cap bumping up again next year (by roughly $7 million above this year’s cap), the Clippers, along with about 10 other teams (including the Lakers, Sixers, and Jazz, just to name a few) are in a good position to do big things.

According to Shams Charania: The NBA has informed its teams of updated projected salary cap and tax level for 2019-20 ($109M, $132M) and 2020-21 ($118M, $143M).

Nearly all of the players on the above list would demand a max contract. With Tobias Harris and others coming off the Clippers’ books at the end of this season, the Clippers can comfortably sign two of the big names with just a few maneuvers.

Enter Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft and current owner the franchise. Ballmer has been quoted as saying he just wants to win. And he’ll do whatever it takes to do it.  He, along with Frank and the front office, have slowly, but surely, put his team in a very good place to do just that.

Make no mistake, the Clippers are doing everything they can to make their team the desired destination this off-season. Just ask Bruce Bowen.

Do the Raptors Stand a Chance?

As the Raptors made their way out west to play in L.A., the NBA world was abuzz with talk of Kawhi to LA. Multiple outlets speculated on the future of the Raptors scoring leader and potential MVP candidate.

Whether Kawhi is paying attention to any of this, or if it even matters, is unknown. Leonard has often iterated that he does not pay attention to the chatter of NBA social media.

"“I focus on what we’re doing,” Leonard said . “I don’t buy into reading media, don’t have no social media, so just focus on what’s in front of me. At that time it’s either my family or playing basketball.”"

Leonard has not hinted one way or another if he has made a decision yet. And there’s no reason to believe he has. Raptor fans are hoping that a successful season, perhaps a deep playoff run might be enough to convince Leonard to stay.

The organization is banking on the fact that an entire year of being able to exclusively sell Leonard on the city, the country and the organization will be invaluable in their efforts to re-sign him. The extra money Leonard can earn by re-signing with Toronto is a bonus too.

But Raptor fans have been here before. Too often this story not played out the way fans have hoped. Might this time be different? Might the time have come where the Raptors have changed their reputation and become a team that can re-sign big names? Only time will tell.