The Toronto Raptors are among the clubs interested in acquiring Kawhi Leonard if the Los Angeles Clippers decide to explore trade options this offseason, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Leonard, 35, has one season remaining on his contract. Fischer reported that the two-time NBA Finals MVP is willing to sign an extension with either the Raptors or the San Antonio Spurs should he be dealt, but he is not expected to ink a new deal with the Detroit Pistons or the Miami Heat.
The forward spent the 2018-19 campaign in Toronto after arriving from San Antonio in a blockbuster swap. His lone season north of the border ended with the Raptors’ first NBA championship in 2019, after which he joined the Clippers in free agency.
Last season Leonard appeared in 65 games—one of his healthiest years in recent memory—and averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
Whether Los Angeles is prepared to move its star remains uncertain. ESPN’s Anthony Slater has reported that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has been reluctant to consider trading Leonard despite ongoing speculation.
For now, the prospect of Leonard returning to Toronto remains speculative, but it adds another storyline to an already busy NBA offseason.
Source: Hoops Wire
