NBA Rumors: Kawhi Leonard Could Stay With Raptors Until 2020

Kawhi Leonard’s free agency decision is the most highly anticipated at the moment with the small forward being the only elite free agent yet to make a decision on his plans for the future. The Los Angeles Lakers are said to be the front runners, but he has also held meetings with Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors with whom he won the 2019 NBA championship.

A recent report suggested that it was a “done deal” between Leonard and the Lakers but NBA expert Colin Cowherd believes all three teams – Lakers, Clippers and Raptors – have a chance at signing the two-time NBA Finals MVP. He quoted sources when revealing that there is a strong possibility Leonard will give the Toronto franchise one more year before entering free agency next summer.

Leonard joined the Raptors via a trade from the San Antonio Spurs last summer and led them to a championship by beating the three-peat seeking Golden State Warriors. They have retained their entire roster and if Leonard decides to stay, they will again be one of the favorites to progress from the Eastern Conference.

The Lakers, on the other hand, are said to be desperate to add a third star and are hoping to convince Leonard to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He is said to have spoken to Magic Johnson, a Lakers legend and the team’s former president of basketball operations about a potential move, but still has questions regarding his standing within the team owing to James’ presence.

The Clippers, meanwhile, were the initial favorites in the race for Leonard’s signature but are said to have fallen down the pecking order. Fox Sports’ Chris Broussard revealed recently that the small forward had called the franchise and informed them that they were out of the running for his services.

It is unclear when Leonard will make his decision, but any free agency activity for teams interested in Leonard has almost come to a standstill. The Raptors are hoping that winning the title will convince him to stay at least one more season, but the Lakers and Clippers are playing the “home” card as it is no secret Leonard is keen to return to Southern California.