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Four teams that could steal Kawhi Leonard from the Toronto Raptors

By William Ricks

PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors stands for the National Anthem on December 14, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors stands for the National Anthem on December 14, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Kawhi Leonard (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Kawhi Leonard will have many teams asking for his services this offseason. These are the four the Toronto Raptors should be worried about the most.

After a sensational season for the Toronto Raptors, Kawhi Leonard will be one of the most sought after free agents this upcoming offseason. He’s a champion, bringing the Raptors their first ever NBA championship. He also won Finals MVP, capping off one of the most dominant postseason runs in recent memory.

The Raptors should feel confident that they can keep Kawhi in Canada after this historic season, but that isn’t a done deal in the slightest.

Initially, Kawhi’s year in Toronto was seen to be just a one-year pit-stop after his awkward and tense departure from San Antonio. Toronto wasn’t one of his main destinations when he asked for a trade from the Spurs. He initially desired to be in L.A. with either the Lakers or Clippers, and there was even talk about him not showing up after his trade to Toronto.

Kawhi did show up and has played at an All-Star level in his contract year. Putting up a career-high 26.6 points per game and having the sixth best player efficiency rating (PER) in the league at 25.89. Leonard has proven that he is still a top-five player in the league. Where this top-five player will go in terms of free agency has been somewhat a mystery all season.

Kawhi has been very quiet on his impending free agency, with no true indication on what he wants to do. Even Serge Ibaka couldn’t get too much out of him while he was on his cooking show. It seems that his desire to play in the L.A. market is still there. He has reportedly bought a home in Southern California, which could mean he is very interested in playing back home.

Even though his desires to play in Los Angeles are evident, there are other big market teams who will be inquiring about his services. Big markets have the cap space to give Kawhi the deal he wants, and the flexibility to put the necessary pieces around him.

Kawhi is due for a max contract when he hits the free agent market, and there will be teams ready to dish out the money to have Leonard sign with them. The Raptors should be worried about these four teams, in particular, snatching the Klaw from them.