Kawhi Leonard Rumors: Where Lakers, Knicks, Raptors, Clippers Stand In Race For 2019 NBA Finals MVP

The Kawhi Leonard Sweepstakes is about to begin, and no one seems to know how it will end. It’s a four-team race with the Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks all reportedly set to meet with the 2019 NBA Finals MVP.

The Clippers appeared to be the frontrunners to sign Leonard all season long. Maybe that’s still the case, though the team can’t feel certain about their ability to sign arguably the best basketball player in the world.

When the Raptors acquired Leonard in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs last summer, Toronto was expected to lose the superstar a year later in free agency. That all changed in the playoffs when Leonard was able to remain largely healthy and help the Raptors win their first-ever championship.

Toronto is now the betting favorite to sign Leonard. According to multiple reports, the Raptors will meet with Toronto last.

The Lakers and Clippers will reportedly get the first two meetings with Leonard shortly after free agency officially begins Sunday at 6 p.m. EDT. There had been a debate regarding whether or not Leonard would consider Los Angeles’ No.1 franchise, but the Lakers seemed to answer that question Thursday afternoon when they cleared enough cap space to sign a max free agent.

The Knicks are probably a distant fourth when it comes to Leonard’s suitors. New York’s roster is arguably the worst in the league after finishing last season with a 17-65 record. The Knicks have the ability to sign two max free agents.

It was first reported a few weeks ago that New York expected to get a meeting with Leonard. The Knicks’ top decision-makers are expected to speak with Leonard and Kevin Durant, whom they’ve had their eyes on all year. Fox Sports’ Cris Carter noted during the finals that New York has a better chance to sign Leonard than some might think.

No one seems to know what Leonard will do. While there have been rumors regarding what top free agents like Durant, Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker might do this summer, Leonard’s mindset remains a mystery.

Leonard can sign a five-year contract worth close to $190 million with Toronto. The two L.A. teams and New York can offer him a little more than $140 million over four years.