If Kawhi Leonard opts out,Toronto Raptors should not pursue

Teams, including the Toronto Raptors, would not get value for their money

Leonard is a special talent. He did average 24.8 points per game in the 52 he played for Los Angeles this season. However, he is injured right now. With August 2, the beginning of free agency, quickly approaching, he could opt out of the final year of his contract with the Clippers.

He’s alluded to as much earlier this season that he’d be willing to explore free agency this summer. However, unlike Brooklyn’s signing of Kevin Durant, while he was dealing with a torn Achilles tendon, Durant hasn’t been injury prone, so the Nets committing to a long-term deal and waiting a year for his services wasn’t crazy.

At the moment, Leonard is an enigma that teams should be wary of committing another three-year $100 million-plus deal that would see him earn $36 million this season if he opts to stay in Los Angeles. He could easily exceed that number

There is a possibility, to protect his financial status, as he is currently injured, Leonard plays out the contract in L.A. by opting into his final year. But he is talented enough that general managers and owners around the NBA will get into a bidding war should he declare himself a free agent, even if he were to miss a season rehabbing.

Toronto should have enough cap space this summer, assuming Kyle Lowry’s $30 million salary is off the books. They are likely to waive the non-guaranteed contract of Rodney Hood, opt-out of Aron Baynes’s final year, and now that Jalen Harris’ rookie deal could be voided due to his suspension, they could theoretically pull this off.

It’s always tempting and alluring to add a talent like Leonard to your roster. Leonard’s time has come and gone in Toronto, and Raptors’ management should leave it at that.