Kawhi Leonard Expected to Leave Toronto This Summer

The NBA has been waiting for Kawhi Leonard to move to Los Angeles since last summer. Both the Lakers and the Clippers have been mooted as his next destination.

The Los Angeles Lakers were considered the favorites to land Leonard, but that has changed. The Clippers can offer him the same as the Lakers can – a good organisation in his hometown.

However, playing for the Clippers would come minus the fanfare of playing alongside LeBron James. As well as that, the perception of the Lakers has shifted in light of their disappointing season.

Aside from the prestige, though, it’s hard to see why Kawhi Leonard would want to leave the Toronto Raptors.

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Leonard has enjoyed a stellar first season in Toronto. The Raptors could well win the East and compete in the NBA Finals. Toronto looks much better positioned for long term success than either of the L.A teams do at the moment.

From the outside, it seems incredible that Leonard would be thinking of moving. However, according to one former player, he is expected to leave by his teammates.

Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus highlighted this in his article about the Clippers comeback win over the Warriors.

“One former player said Leonard’s teammates expect him to leave for Los Angeles after the season, although he didn’t specify which franchise,” Pincus writes.

Leonard is just one of many potential star free agents who will be in the market this summer. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler an Klay Thompson will all likely be available.

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Leonard moving to Los Angeles would alter the power dynamic in the Western Conference. Particularly if Durant and Thompson leave, the Warriors will be weakened.