Kawhi Leonard will opt out of the final year of his contract worth $21.3 million and enter free agency July 1, after leading the Toronto Raptors to their first ever NBA championship. He distanced himself from any free agency talk after the win against the Golden State Warriors and his future plans continue to remain uncertain.

Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reported Leonard’s decision Sunday night and there is no doubt the small forward, who won his second NBA Finals MVP title, will be the most sought after player this summer. The Raptors are hoping to convince Leonard to stay and they are the only team that can offer him a max contract worth $190 million over five years.

The report claimed the 2019 NBA Finals MVP was “seriously considering” re-signing with the Toronto based franchise after building a good connection with the team and the city. However, there are a number of other teams preparing offers and were likely to secure meetings when he enters free agency after midnight June 30.

Leonard has made no secret about his desire to return home to Southern California when he enters free agency. He was keen to join one of the Los Angeles teams last summer before being traded to the Raptors.

Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors runs down the floor in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Jan. 13, 2019. Rob Carr/Getty Images

The Lakers and Clippers are certain to ask for a meeting with the player but ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski believes the Clippers are the frontrunners at the moment, with the Lakers not on the player’s radar currently. The Philadelphia 76ers are also reportedly interested while the New York Knicks are also expected to make a push, especially after their No. 1 target Kevin Durant suffered a potential season-ending injury.

Clippers nation have already begun their recruitment process, with the Los Angeles Times’ Andrew Greif posting pictures of billboards calling for Leonard to return to Southern California in the summer. There are a number of elite level players entering free agency in a weeks’ time but all eyes will be on Leonard and his decision, as it will have a major say in terms of the NBA championship contenders next season.

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