NBA Rumors: Kawhi Rules Out Short-Term Deals, Making Teams Wait

Kawhi Leonard, whether it is a team interested in the 2019 NBA Finals MVP or not, the entire NBA and everyone connected to it including experts, fans are waiting with bated breath to see where the small forward ends up as it could change the landscape of the upcoming NBA season. He is the only elite unrestricted free agent yet to make a decision on his future and free agency has almost come to a standstill after the initial uproar which saw the likes of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler switch teams.

Leonard is eligible for a five-year $190 million max deal from the Toronto Raptors or a four-year deal worth $141 million from other interested teams. Any talk of the forward signing a short-term deal has been ruled out.

The Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers and Raptors are the three teams said to be in the running for the small forward’s signature. A recent report suggested that the Lakers were the frontrunners with one even claiming that it was a “done deal”. However, there are contradicting reports suggesting Leonard is considering staying with the Raptors for at least one more season.

Meanwhile, multiple reports suggested that a decision will be forthcoming on Wednesday or Thursday but according to The Athletic’s Jabari Young, Leonard is set to make the teams stew for a bit longer. The player and his representatives are “going through the process” and will take their time before making a decision with regard to his next destination.

“On the Kawhi front, told he’s not making a decision tonight and it may not be until the next few days. He and his reps are going through the process and taking their time before deciding the next move. No 2-year deals have been discussed,” Young wrote.

The Lakers are desperate to add a third star and are said to be trying everything in their power to convince Leonard to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis in Los Angeles. They will become instant favorites to win the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2020 if they win the race for the 2019 NBA champion.