NBA Rumors: Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler Might Leave Raptors, 76ers After Game 7 Regardless Of Winner

When the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers meet in Game 7 of their second-round series Sunday night, it will be about more than just advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. As Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler head into free agency, the outcome could play a role in what the players decide to do this summer.

Since the Raptors acquired Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs in a trade last year, it's been thought that the odds were against Toronto keeping the superstar beyond this season. Philadelphia’s chances of keeping Butler became more complicated when they made a midseason trade for Tobias Harris, who will also be seeking a max contract in the offseason.

Both the Raptors and 76ers have high expectations. Toronto was a significant favorite at the start of the series after finishing second in the league with 58 wins. Philadelphia went all-in by trading most of their assets for Butler and Harris, and failing to win more than one playoff series with a starting lineup that includes those two players, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons would have to be considered a major disappointment.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Sunday’s game will determine whether or not Leonard and Butler re-sign with their respective teams.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has said he believes Toronto has a real chance to keep Leonard, and he doesn’t believe Game 7 will be a deciding factor. Stephen A. Smith expressed a similar sentiment earlier this postseason, believing the forward has already made up his mind regarding his future.

There have been rumors all season long that the Los Angeles Clippers have a great chance to sign Leonard in free agency. The Lakers will also pursue Leonard, who could be eyeing a return to his hometown of L.A.

Leonard has already won a championship. He was the 2014 NBA Finals MVP. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year asked to be traded from a perennial contender and probably the best franchise in the NBA.

Maybe Butler would have a harder time leaving a team that he believes is on the verge of winning a title. He's never reached the conference finals, despite making the playoffs in seven of his eight NBA seasons.

Assuming the 76ers offer him a max contract—not a certainty—Butler might be hard-pressed to leave Philadelphia if they win Game 7 and continue to make a deep postseason run, though not everyone is so sure.

When discussing Butler’s future on ESPN before Game 6 Thursday night, point guard Rajon Rondo confidently said that the four-time All-Star would leave Philadelphia this offseason. ESPN’s Jalen Rose agreed, predicting Butler is headed to either New York or Los Angeles.

Both New York and L.A. teams will be able to sign at least one max free agent. There’s increased speculation that the Lakers, Nets or Knicks could end up giving Butler a max deal if they miss out on the likes of Leonard and Kevin Durant.

Leonard has arguably been as good as anyone in the playoffs with averages of 31.0 points per game and 56.3 percent shooting from the field. Butler has outperformed Embiid and Simmons to be Philadelphia’s best player with 19.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.