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Toronto Raptors have no chance of competing for Kawhi Leonard

By Paul Taylor

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court during Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court during Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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No matter how much reports indicate the Toronto Raptors have a chance with Kawhi Leonard, they won’t get him for one simple reason – he doesn’t want to join them.

ESPN’s Zach Lowe recently wrote that the Toronto Raptors could be a wild card in the chase for Kawhi Leonard. Lowe suggested a package including one of DeMar DeRozan or Kyle Lowry, a young player and a first round draft pick.

Certainly, you imagine the San Antonio Spurs would at least be open to discussing such an offer. They would much prefer Leonard ends up in the Eastern Conference rather than staying in the West, where they would have to face him more often.

Ultimately though, the Raptors are not going to be able to sign the two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year for one simple reason. He has no interest in moving to Toronto.

Everyone knows Leonard’s preference is to be traded to the Lakers or Clippers. A big part of the reason for this is he has a home in Los Angeles.

However, even if the 2014 NBA Finals MVP did consider moving to the Eastern Conference, only one team apparently has a chance. And it’s not the Raptors.

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According to ESPN’s Chris Haynes, the only team in the East Leonard would be prepared to genuinely consider, is the Philadelphia 76ers. Haynes made his comments on The Jump, during their live coverage of the Summer League in Las Vegas.

You can understand why the 2011 15th overall draft pick would be interested by the 76ers. They are coming off their best regular season since 2000-01, and have an enticing young and talented roster which should only continue to improve.

In theory, the Spurs still have a certain degree of control over Leonard, and could negotiate a trade with the 76ers, whether he agrees to it or not. However, this is compromised by the player only having one season left, before he can become a free agent. (He has a player option for the 2019-20 season, but he would decline this.)

In addition, how many assets would the 76ers be prepared to give up for a player who would likely walk away for nothing next Summer? The reality is the Spurs are stuck between a rock and a hard place, with Leonard having as much say in his future.

And that is why, no matter how much Raptors fans want to dream of a lineup including the two-time All-Star, he isn’t coming to Toronto. (Although I would have absolutely no issue with being proved entirely wrong.)

Next: Raptors still face uphill battle even with LeBron gone

Do you agree that Leonard won’t be coming to Southern Ontario? Or are you convinced the Toronto Raptors have some chance of securing his services? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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