Raptors fans, it might be time to start believing. The idea of Kawhi Leonard returning to Toronto is becoming more realistic by the day.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, “Kawhi Leonard could be traded to the Raptors as soon as today, which also happens to be his 35th birthday.” Charania also reports that the Raps are one of the only teams Leonard would be willing to sign with if he’s traded.
Leonard has one year left on his contract worth just over $50 million and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. With the Los Angeles Clippers looking to get younger and no extension currently on the table, it appears Los Angeles could be ready to move on.
The 35-year-old is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. He averaged a career-high 27.9 points, along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting better than 50 percent from the field and over 38 percent from three.
After playing just 37 games the previous season, Leonard suited up in 65 games this past year. He also finished seventh in MVP voting and earned his 7th All-Star appearance of his career.
Of course, Raptors fans know exactly what Leonard can do. Toronto acquired him in the blockbuster trade with San Antonio back in 2018, sending DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl the other way.
One season was all it took for Leonard to deliver the franchise’s first NBA championship, earning Finals MVP after averaging 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.7 steals over 24 playoff games.
For years, a Kawhi return has felt more like wishful thinking than reality. Now, it might actually happen.
