NBA Rumors: Kawhi's Next Stop Hinges On Raptors' Run For The Title

Kawhi Leonard is expected to be one of the most hotly pursued players this coming NBA free agency, although critics feel he may be sticking it out with the Toronto Raptors. Seeing as how the 27-year-old has looked like a great fit for the team, linking him to other teams seems farfetched.

However, it seems that there are unforeseen circumstances such as what is really going on internally over in Toronto. The Bleacher Report suggested that there are people inside the Raptors locker room who feel that Leonard will still leave and that his next stop will be Los Angeles.

"One former player said Leonard's teammates expect him to leave for Los Angeles after the season, although he didn't specify which franchise," Eric Pincus wrote in the Bleacher Report story.

For those who have followed the Kawhi Leonard drama, the Los Angeles Clippers have often been referred to as the likely destination. The Los Angeles Lakers were once believed to be his ideal landing spot, but pundits feel that Leonard will not likely want to play in the shadows of LeBron James, NBC Sports reported.

Regardless of which Los Angeles team is being referred to, the suggestion alone seems off considering the Raptors have a chance to make it all the way to the NBA Finals. Although it is still too early to tell, there is no denying that Toronto has been showing plenty of promise against the Orlando Magic. But of course, it is still a long way to go for head coach Nick Nurse and his troops.

The thing here is that word of Leonard's plans after this season did not come from him. It was more of what it felt in the locker room, meaning it may be nothing more than speculation. Anything can change in the remainder of the 2018-19 NBA season - including Leonard having a change of heart. And if that becomes the case, expect Toronto to offer him a max contract next.

Regardless, don't expect the Clippers, Lakers or any other NBA team to refrain from trying to pitch an offer to the 27-year-old forward. He is one of many big names expected to test free agency along with the likes of Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving.

The Lakers may be a long shot unless James or someone is able to talk sense into Leonard. The same holds true for the Clippers and other teams as the mad scramble are anticipated to kick off once the current NBA season wraps up.