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Toronto Raptors: No need to worry about Kawhi Leonard…yet

By Paul Taylor

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs speaks with the media during media availability for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans on February 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs speaks with the media during media availability for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans on February 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Regardless of what happens in 12 months time, two-time Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard will suit up for the Toronto Raptors next season.

Some of us, this writer included, are still adjusting to the reality that Kawhi Leonard is a member of the Toronto Raptors. Others, are concerned about if he will ever actually suit up for them.

The first reason for such concern, relates to Leonard’s health. Last season he played in just nine games for the San Antonio Spurs, due mainly to an ongoing right quadriceps injury.

Questions remain to this very day, about how severe the 27-year-old’s injury really was. Regardless, you assume the Raptors wouldn’t have traded for him if there were any genuine issues about his health.

The second reason there is concern about Leonard actually playing for the Raptors, is down to him apparently not even wanting to be in Canada. According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the Los Angeles, California native made it clear in the lead up to the trade that he wanted no part of Toronto.

Sports Illustrated’s Khadrice Rollins even reported that Leonard would sit out the 2018-19 season, if he was traded to the Raptors. In the end though, this didn’t stop Masai Ujiri and company agreeing a deal with the Spurs.

Ultimately, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year will be in the Raptors’ starting lineup come next season. At least according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

As reported by Sportsnet’s Dave Zarum, Wojnarowski advised the Raptors have been in communication with Leonard and he is beginning to warm up to the idea of playing for them. He’s apparently healthy and will be at training camp.

This is understandably good news. It also speaks to the reality of the situation for the 2014 NBA Finals MVP.

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The truth is, Leonard can’t afford not to play for the Raptors next season, in any sense. For a start, if he sat out the entire season he would lose his full salary of $20.1 million as a result of ongoing fines.

The second, and arguably more important reason the 2011 15th overall draft pick can’t afford to sit out, is that it would affect his status next summer. As reported by Colin Ward-Henniger of CBS Sports, article XI of the 2017 NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement states if he sits out more than 30 days, he could lose his 2019 free agent status until the Raptors agree to let him go.

As such, you can expect to see Leonard taking his place alongside Jonas Valanciunas, Serge Ibaka, Danny Green and Kyle Lowry. No matter how bad the optics are surrounding DeMar DeRozan‘s departure, the Raptors have an extremely enticing starting lineup.

Long-term, the odds still seem against Leonard agreeing a contract extension with the Raptors 12 months from now. For now though, fans should embrace what he brings to the team, as he gives them their most legitimate chance yet of advancing to their first ever NBA Finals.

Next: Top 5 DeMar DeRozan highlights

What kind of success are you predicting for the Toronto Raptors next season, with Leonard on the roster? And do you hold out any realistic hope he will remain in Southern Ontario long-term? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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