Follow us on Google Discover Kawhi Leonard is still waiting to find out where he will be playing basketball next season, but the forward seems resolute it will be with the Toronto Raptors.
The LA Clippers agreed on a trade to send Leonard to Toronto in June, but it hadn’t materialised as all parties were waiting for the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers for cap circumvention.
With the NBA handing out a historic punishment for the Clippers and a $700K fine for Leonard, everyone is waiting to see when the trade will be officially completed, despite the impact of the punishment.
Kawhi Leonard ‘hopes’ he can play with the Toronto Raptors
Leonard was spotted by a fan in downtown Miami and was asked if he will be joining the Raptors soon, with the 35-year-old sharing a frank response.
“I hope so… We are gonna win.”
Leonard has been resolute in his belief that he will be joining the Raptors all summer, publicly attending multiple events in Toronto as well as attending Kyle Lowry’s retirement announcement.
Recent reports indicate that Leonard’s trade to the Raptors is a matter of when and not if, with both parties expected to honor the original trade they made regardless of the impact of the punishment.
The three first-round picks the Clippers will receive (two unprotected and one swap) as part of this deal will be the only real draft capital LA has going forward after being penalised five future first-round picks for their part in circumventing the cap.
Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images
With team owner Steve Ballmer suspended, as well as multiple key front office members like GM Lawrence Frank, the franchise will likely make the Leonard trade official after naming interim chiefs.
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Kawhi averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists with the Clippers last season, his best scoring year in the NBA.
Leonard is expected to receive a contract extension with the Raptors after the deal is finalised, with Kawhi in the final year of his current contract.
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