Toronto Raptors: Each player’s likelihood to return next season
By Jeff Borsuk
Kawhi Leonard
The move for Kawhi Leonard was a win for all parties involved. The Raptors found the best success they ever have, going on a magical run. Their title is mostly attributed to Leonard and his ability to completely dominate a game.
The man himself was treated like royalty both by the organization and the city. He was allowed to rest whenever possible and his medical needs were closely attended to. He was lauded as a hero and loved nationwide.
Leonard now needs to make a decision as to who will land his services. He established relationships and won a championship with Toronto. If that isn’t enough for him, he can also cash the biggest cheques by returning to the Raptors. They are able to offer him $190 million over five years ($38 million per year), while the rest of the league can only provide $141 million for four years ($35.25 million per year).
His other suitors are almost the entire league. With Kevin Durant‘s injury likely keeping him out for the entirety of the 2020 season, those who would have been pursuing KD may now shift their focus onto Leonard. That could mean that the New York Knicks put their best pitch forward.
Then there is the Los Angeles Clippers who have been making their intentions known throughout the entirety of the season. The Clippers were the most aggressive of any other team, doing everything short of outright confirming their attempted courting to let the superstar know that they were interested.
They sent representatives to be seen at a large bulk of Raptors games. After Game 1 of the Finals, their coach, Doc Rivers was fined $50,000 for tampering because he compared Leonard to Michael Jordan on ESPN television.
Next. Four teams most likely to steal Kawhi Leonard. dark
The Clippers best-selling feature is their geographical location. Back in January, Leonard bought a $13.3 million dollar mansion in San Diego. Los Angeles is less than a two-hour drive away, which is a convenience factor that Toronto cannot offer. The Raptors will also be up against the soft cap, while the Clippers have far more flexibility to build around the small forward.
Though Vegas has flopped back and forth between the Raptors and Clippers, we believe that the Raptors will ultimately land the superstar because Toronto happens to be his best option.
Chance at returning – 51-percent