Raptors Rapture
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Kawhi Leonard (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

New York Knicks

Despite the dysfunction within the organization, the New York Knicks are one of the teams with the greatest chance of luring Leonard away from the Toronto Raptors.

The Knicks have put their hopes on signing a star or two this offseason after trading away their young forward Kristaps Porzingis in February. With his contract, along with a few players others involved in the trade, off the books, the Knicks now have a league-best $74.6 million in cap space.

That amount of cap space is more than enough to sign Leonard, but that cap space is what has the Knicks in such a good spot to get him. They have enough cap space to not only sign Kawhi Leonard, but also another big-name free agent.

This could be big for Kawhi, as he could make some calls to other potential free agents convince them to play with him in New York.

Kyrie Irving could turn from Eastern Conference rival to teammate, as it has been reported that he could sign with New York. Those aspirations seem to be dwindling though, as he seems to be looking at the other New York team (the Nets) as his desired destination.

Kevin Durant is also another player who could play in New York, and imagining Kawhi and KD on the same team is something of nightmares for opposing teams. Those nightmares wouldn’t be coming for at least a year, as KD suffered a ruptured achillies in the NBA Finals.

The Knicks cap space could be used in Kawhi’s favor in another scenario. The Knicks could get Leonard on his max deal, and New York can use the rest of that money to sign lower tier free agents. This would allow Kawhi to still be the franchise player, but wouldn’t compromise their ability to be contenders in the east.

The Knicks didn’t receive the outcome they were hoping for in this year’s lottery. However, the third pick is still likely to fetch them a valuable rookie or an immediate impact player in a trade. It is likely they will draft Duke standout R.J. Barrett, which would be a very nice addition along with Leonard.

The Knicks can also use the pitch of playing in New York to attract Leonard. Being able to play in “The Mecca” for 41 games and having the city of New York behind you is something the Knicks front office can use to persuade Kawhi.

The Knickerbockers have an abundance of cap space, an extremely high pick in the draft, and the Mecca of basketball to bring to the table if Kawhi decides to meet with them in the summer. Having Leonard playing in New York would be something to behold, especially if he has another star playing there with him.