The Golden State Warriors’ recent record of attracting star level players isn’t good to say the least, and it turns out the rejection from LeBron James in free agency was also proceeded by Kawhi Leonard angling himself to avoid a trade to the Bay Area.

Leonard’s trade to the Toronto Raptors remains up in the air as a result of the ongoing invesitgation into potential salary cap circumvention. The Warriors had been a potential suitor for Leonard dating back to the mid-season deadline, but interest this summer didn’t go far because the two-time Finals MVP seemingly wanted a return to Toronto according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.

Warriors watched Kawhi Leonard avoid them before LeBron rejection

Speaking recently on The Hoop Collective podcast with Brian Windhorst, Slater outlined Golden State’s pursuit of Leonard (or lack thereof) this offseason before his now unofficial move to the Raptors.

“The Warriors were really into the Kawhi trade idea at the February trade deadline. They were less into that idea this summer. Part of it is the (contract) extension and Kawhi clearly, in a lot of ways, wanted to direct himself to Toronto,” Slater said.

There’s no doubt that being on an expiring contract, Leonard would have had a significant say on his future, and perhaps far more than what he would have had at the mid-season deadline when the Warriors were reportedly close to a deal.

If this is true and Leonard prioritized a move back to Toronto, it would add to a long list of stars who’ve spurned Golden State in recent years. Just in the last few months, that list now includes he, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, and James who last month decided to join the Philadelphia 76ers.

Warriors look even worse after Kawhi Leonard decision

Leonard does have an obvious history with the Raptors after leading them to a title over the Warriors in his previously sole year with the franchise in 2019. However, his decision to desire Toronto over remaining in California now, and choosing Scottie Barnes and company over Stephen Curry, isn’t a great reflection on Golden State and their ability to lure star players.

To make matters even worse, there’s little doubt a Leonard trade would have only helped the Warriors’ chances of landing James as a free agent given his decision ultimately came mostly down to his desire to win another championship.

The continued rejection from big name players remains a major issue over the final years of Stephen Curry’s career, and has now led to attention turning towards the two-time MVP and his future at the Warriors.

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