Kawhi Leonard's Free Agency Plans Delayed, Forward's Uncle Gives Raptors Hope

Kawhi Leonard is likely to be as sought after as fellow free agent Kevin Durant when he enters free agency later in July. The Toronto Raptors small forward is preparing to lead his team in their first ever NBA Finals appearance when they take on reigning back-to-back champions Golden State Warriors in Game 1 on Thursday.

The Raptors forward has been impressive since making the move from San Antonio Spurs to Toronto via a trade last summer and played a key role in helping the team beat the Milwaukee Bucks – the best team in the NBA regular season in the Eastern Conference finals.

Leonard will become an unrestricted free agent later in July and is likely to be courted by every franchise that has enough maximum salary cap space. The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers are three teams said to be leading the chase for the forward.

The two-time defensive player of the year is said to be keen to return home to Los Angeles with the Clippers said to be the favorite. The Lakers are certain to make an offer as they seek another superstar to pair with LeBron James.

However, according to Leonard’s uncle Dennis Robertson, there won’t be a decision until after the conclusion of the 2019 NBA Finals. He says the player’s focus is completely on the finals and any decision about whether to re-sign with the Raptors or move back to Los Angeles has been delayed until after the finals.

“I can’t get into other free agents and other teams, but for Kawhi, he’s going to take it one day and one game at a time,” Robertson told Yahoo Sports. “We have a championship opportunity in front of us. We’re not thinking about free agency; it’s the Warriors [right now]. Once we get through the season, we’ll turn our attention to free agency. But we’re just having fun right now. This has been a great year.’”

Robertson also went on to claim that Leonard had nothing against the city of Toronto despite admitting that the player was initially disappointed at being traded to the Raptors than his preference of returning to Los Angeles. But he has since gone on to become a leader in the team and given them a chance to win their first event NBA championship.

“When you are initially traded somewhere you didn’t asked to be, you don’t want to accept it,” Robertson added. “But once you get through that period, the focus then turns to giving your all and performing at a high level. It never had anything to do with the city of Toronto. It wasn’t. Toronto is a beautiful city. Kawhi has often spoke highly of Toronto. It’s a beautiful place. That was just an initial reaction, which is normal. But we’re enjoying this run and looking forward to the Finals.”