Toronto Raptors: The case for/against Kawhi Leonard choosing the north

Kawhi Leonard is set to hit the open market after the year, with suitors all over. If we’re looking at strictly the Toronto Raptors, what’s the case?

Acquired by the Toronto Raptors in a deal for franchise mainstay DeMar DeRozan prior to the year, Kawhi Leonard has made a sizable impact already for the team.

The former Finals Most Valuable Player has averaged career-highs in both points (27.3) and rebounds (7.8) while maintaining his status as an elite perimeter defender.

Leonard’s scoring numbers have come with similar efficiency to past seasons as the wing is shooting 50.2 percent from the field, with an effective field goal percentage of 54.8. Both numbers are near the top of Kawhi’s career marks, with the latter falling as the median.

As a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Leonard has continued the trend this year on the other end as well. Leonard sits in the top-five of Raptors in defensive win shares (.099) and ranks first in steal percentage (32.3).

Dubbed the ‘Klaw’ due to his enormous hands, Leonard has even found new ways to swipe opposing passes:

The best player on the team, Leonard poses as the leader of the team in impact in several facets.

Prior to the team’s deal for Leonard, it was widely speculated that he was choosing between the duo of Los Angeles teams in both the Clippers and Lakers. Little has changed, though merely speculation exists.

For Leonard, there is a case for both staying in his new home or departing for possibly his destination.