The first time Kawhi Leonard came to Toronto, it always felt like it might not last. This time, that’s not the case. Leonard spoke about his return during the Raptors’ latest episode of Open Gym, giving some insight into why he wanted to come back to the city after several seasons away.
“I’m not really championship-chasing, trying to find the best team I could win (with),” Leonard said. “I didn’t want to put on a thousand jerseys.” For Leonard, the decision wasn’t simply about finding his next championship opportunity. Toronto had become a place he and his family genuinely enjoyed, and that played a major role in his decision to return.
“The city took a liking to my family; I took a liking to the city. Really enjoyed it,” Leonard said. “My son was born here, and he’s been asking me forever when he’s going to come back. So, now he’s back, and he’s able to see it rather than me tell him the great stories that happened.”
That’s a different message from the one surrounding Leonard when he first became a Raptor. Toronto acquired him from San Antonio in the summer of 2018, knowing they had one season to make the most of it. Leonard was heading into the final guaranteed year of his contract, and there was no indication he planned to make Toronto his long-term home.
The Raptors didn’t need more than that one year. Leonard had arguably the best postseason run in franchise history, helping Toronto win its first NBA championship and taking home Finals MVP honours. Then came the part Raptors fans knew was possible all along. Leonard left.
Just weeks after the championship parade, he chose the Clippers in free agency. Toronto went from celebrating the biggest moment in franchise history to waiting for a decision that would determine what came next. Seven years later, Leonard is back, and this time, he chose Toronto.
The Raptors went from 30 wins in 2024-25 to 46 last season, their highest win total since the 2019-20 campaign. Scottie Barnes made his second All-Star team in three seasons and finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting, while Toronto returned to the playoffs.
Back then, Toronto was the place where he spent one incredible season before moving on. Now, with extension talks reportedly progressing, Toronto could become the place where Leonard finishes his career. The first chapter ended with a championship and a goodbye. Leonard hopes the second chapter not only includes another championship but also lasts a little longer.
