As LeBron James announced his departure from the Lakers, the other team in Los Angeles was preparing for a major departure of their own. After six years together, the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard have finally parted ways, marking the end of a partnership that ultimately failed to accomplish its goals.
At 35 years old, Kawhi would have preferred to remain in Los Angeles, but leaving was inevitable once they decided not to offer an extension. Now, Leonard is headed back to Toronto, where he reportedly intends to finish his storied career after averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 50.5% shooting and 38.7% shooting from three this past season.
“The Clippers were open-minded in trade talks, and several teams over the last couple of weeks tried to engage: Minnesota, Detroit,” reported Shams on NBA Today. “But they were rebuffed on multiple fronts, because of the control he had, because of his expiring deal. The Toronto Raptors emerged as the only team that Leonard was willing to give a long-term commitment to for a few reasons: his familiarity with the organization, the fact he spent time in Toronto winning a championship, and he feels that team can contend in the Eastern Conference. I’m told he wants to retire, to finish his career in Toronto. He wants his legacy to be as a Raptor, as a Spur, and as a Clipper.”
Leonard has always been picky about what teams he’s willing to play for, and it was no different this summer. Favoring comfort, freedom, and a chance to compete, there were only two places he would sign an extension if traded: the Spurs and Raptors, the only two other teams he’s ever joined. Of course, he never intended to join the Raptors in 2018, but it ended with a championship that nobody saw coming.
Yet, somehow, not even winning a title could stop Leonard from joining the Clippers months later, and it seemed like he’d never leave. But after years of failure and a recent turn to youth, things have changed for LA, essentially pushing Leonard out of the picture. Along the way, multiple teams were calling on Leonard, and he could have picked between some of the NBA’s top contenders.
At 35, however, Kawhi knows that his next stop is likely to be his last, and he did not want to waste it on a miserable situation. In Toronto, Kawhi has familiarity that will ensure his comfort and an easy transition. He also gets to play meaningful games on a team that finished fifth in the standings last season (46-36).
At this point, we don’t know how long Kawhi will play, but it’s safe to guess he’ll sign at least one more extension. What happens after that will likely depend on how the Raptors play, and how Kawhi’s game ages over time. Either way, we shouldn’t expect Leonard to change teams again before his retirement.
For the Raptors, Kawhi’s long-term commitment is more than they had in 2019, but they must build on this momentum to capitalize on his arrival. Fortunately, with Leonard’s future secure, Toronto will have plenty of time to assemble a roster that can keep up with the Knicks, Pistons, Heat, and Celtics in the East.
