NBA Rumors: Kawhi Leonard Probably Leaving Toronto For Los Angeles, Even If Raptors Beat Warriors

Throughout the NBA season, insiders have reported that Kawhi Leonard is likely to leave the Toronto Raptors for the Los Angeles Clippers this summer. Even as Toronto threatens the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals, it doesn’t appear as if that opinion has changed.

There has been speculation in the playoffs that maybe Toronto’s run could help keep Leonard north of the border for the long term. Maybe this postseason run will encourage the superstar to stay with the Raptors, but his decision might have been made some time ago.

That’s the sentiment that a few former NBA players expressed on ESPN Monday morning. Golden State tied Toronto in the finals just a few hours prior with a 109-104 victory in Game 2.

“I think he has his plan and he’s had it all along,” 13-year NBA veteran Quentin Richardson said on “Golic and Wingo.”

Leonard had 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists in Toronto’s 118-109 Game 1 win. He totaled 34 points, 14 rebounds and three assists in Game 2, but it wasn’t enough as the Raptors’ role players weren’t nearly as effective as they had been a few nights before.

If an MVP award existed for the entire playoffs, Leonard would be the runaway winner. He carried the Raptors in the second round against the Philadelphia 76ers, culminating with 39 field-goal attempts and the game-winner in Game 7.

Leonard is averaging 30.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals in 20 playoff games while shooting 49.6 percent from the field.

The Clippers are reportedly very confident that they’ll be able to sign Leonard this offseason. The Los Angeles Lakers will also pursue the forward, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has reported that LeBron James has already been in contact with Leonard.

When Leonard asked to be traded from the San Antonio Spurs last offseason, he wanted to be dealt to his hometown of L.A. The Lakers were once thought to be a possible trade partner for the Spurs, but they have since been viewed as long shots to sign Leonard.

Both Leonard and Kevin Durant are expected to sign elsewhere in July, whether it’s the Warriors or Raptors that wins the title.