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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 – Kawhi Leonard (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers have all the pieces needed to persuade Kawhi away from the Toronto Raptors and sign with them. This is the team the Raptors and their fans should be the most worried about, by far.

The Clippers have the second most cap space in the NBA at $61.7 million, which gives them plenty of money to sign the Klaw. They can also sign another max slot player if they decide to move forward Danilo Gallinari and his $22.6 million contract.

L.A. hasn’t been shy at letting the league know that they are planning to go after Kawhi Leonard, and trading away a star in Tobias Harris before the trade deadline only made it more clear.

The Clippers also have a plethora of draft picks at their disposal, which could come in handy if they are looking to make trades for players, or get talent through the draft.

The homecoming aspect is there for Kawhi, as he’ll still get his wish in playing back home in California. The warm weather, possible opportunities off the court and his roots in Cali make this the best spot for Kawhi.

The Clippers are a sneaky good team with a young core that is exceeding expectations. After many thought they would fall out of the playoff after the Tobias Harris trade, they managed to get into the playoffs. They played tough against the top-seeded Warriors, putting together that historical 31-point comeback in game 2 and pushed the series to six games.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has played very well as a rookie, Montrezl Harrell has proven to be a force in the NBA, and the sixth man of the year Lou Williams has been outstanding in his bench role this season.

This young core of players, along with Kawhi, would make the Clippers legit contenders out west. If they can manage to surround Kawhi with another star at his side, the Clippers could become a monster of a team.

The difference between the Clippers and the rest of the team listed is the stability and greatness in the front office.

Jerry West has done a fantastic job maneuvering trades, cap space, and talent for the Clippers. Steve Ballmer, owner of the Clippers is one of the richest people on earth. With that type of money at the Clippers disposal, he can pay for the talent he wants to bring into L.A. Let’s not forget being coached by one of the games best in Doc Rivers. That itself makes the Clippers an appetizing destination.

Next. Raptors run wasn't defined by destiny. dark

The Toronto Raptors have competition this offseason for signing Kawhi for the long-term, and these teams give the strongest cases for getting him away from Toronto. The Raptors better put together a pretty strong presentation if they hope to convince Kawhi to resign with the team.