It wasn't only Spurs fans that gave Kawhi Leonard a sour face when he opted to be traded this season. In fact, almost the entire NBA considered the issue as, well, an issue. But then again, Kawhi is his own man; he made his decision, made a home in Toronto, and the team is on the verge of a stellar season with a potential of making it to the Finals or even winning a championship.
The Kawhi melodrama, however, didn't stop when he came out as an eligible free agent. Soon after signing with the Raptors, critics of the 2014 NBA Finals MVP openly said that he would only stay with Toronto for just one year. The Los Angeles Lakers were linked to Leonard right from the start, but things are now starting to get hazy.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, through CBS Sports' recent article, opined that "The Klaw" re-signing with the Raptors this offseason "is a serious consideration now". Among others, the progress Toronto made with Kawhi at the helm is a driving factor. Another is the development of Pascal Siakam as an offensive, and defensive threat and Kawhi's relationship with Kyle Lowry all add up to the cause.
Raptors President Masai Ujiri said in a press conference the last offseason that Toronto has plenty of things to "sell" not only to Kawhi, "but to more NBA players." From the organization to the city's culture and the fans of the Raptors, Ujiri is positive that Toronto has "something" "that reaches out to the world" and possibly, these are enough to entice Kawhi to consider re-signing with the team. The only thing that's missing, according to the President's humble opinion, is a championship.
The Raptors acquired Leonard and Danny Green from the Spurs in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a protected 2019 first-round draft pick last July. After this season, Kawhi has a $21million player option; he can - if he wishes - to opt out of his contract and find a new home.
But considering the way the Raptors are playing how he has bloomed to a whole new level, it can be quite tricky to predict his next move. Kawhi has dominated this year's Playoffs: he's averaging around 32 points and 8 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from the field.
Teams will definitely go after Kawhi whether the Raptors make it all the way to the Finals, win a championship or whatnot. He can still be a solid player, and teams can still grow with him at the center. Toronto however, will have an upper hand in luring Kawhi to re-sign. By this, the offseason will once again feature Kawhi.
