Toronto Raptors reportedly most likely destination for Kawhi Leonard

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst claims the Toronto Raptors are now in the driver’s seat for Kawhi Leonard, but does this mean he will actually end up in Southern Ontario?

Last week, we wrote an article stating there was no chance of the Toronto Raptors landing Kawhi Leonard. However, information keeps emerging, to challenge this opinion.

For example, OddsShark released their updated odds on where Leonard would be playing next season. And wouldn’t you know it, the Raptors were actually the betting favourites.

Now, we have more information coming out, indicating the Raptors are in the driver’s seat to land the 2011 15th overall draft pick. And it comes courtesy of ESPN‘s Brian Windhorst.

As reported by Sportsnet‘s Vivek Jacob, Windhorst made his claim during an appearance on Zach Lowe’s podcast, Lowe Post. However, it turns out the Raptors’ position has come almost by default.

Windhorst explains that the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers have essentially “given up” on negotiating a trade for Leonard. Both teams have been unable to come up with a package to tempt the San Antonio Spurs to part company with their superstar.

Los Angeles has long been believed to be Leonard’s preferred destination, as he has a home there. Meanwhile, Philadelphia is apparently the only team in the Eastern Conference, which he would genuinely consider.

The main reason why the Spurs have been unable to agree a trade for the 27-year-old, essentially comes down to the reality of the situation. He only has one year left on his current contract, meaning teams are not willing to give up too much for him.

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This puts San Antonio in a position where they either lower their demands, or risk losing Leonard for nothing next Summer. Pure and simple, they are stuck between a rock and a hard place.

In respect of the Raptors, despite emerging as the apparent favourites to land the 2014 NBA Finals MVP, is it really such a good idea to trade for him? For example, is a package including one of DeMar DeRozan or Kyle Lowry, a young player and a first round draft pick really worth it, for what could essentially be just one year?

The reality is, there are so many moving parts, so much contrasting speculation, it’s tough to get a handle on how this will all play out. For example, for every person claiming Leonard’s preferred option is the Lakers, there is someone else reporting he doesn’t want to play with LeBron James.

About the only thing even remotely clear in this whole situation, is that the two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year must really want to leave San Antonio. Look no further than the financial implications and how much money he is prepared to leave on the table.

If Leonard were to stay with the Spurs, he would be eligible for a supermax deal. This extension would work out at five years and $221 million.

If the two-time All-Star isn’t traded and plays out his current contract, he would become a free agent next summer. At that point, he can sign a deal with any other team, worth a maximum of five years and $190 million.

It is also possible Leonard could agree an extension with whichever team he ends up with for the upcoming season, assuming the Spurs do actually trade him. However, such a decision seems unlikely, as he would only get four years and $108 million.

Overall, it’s all very well the Toronto Raptors being the most likely team to end up with Leonard next season. Ultimately though, they need to ask themselves if the juice is worth the squeeze?

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What’s your position, taking into account all of the reports and speculation circulating at the moment? How likely is it for Leonard to be traded to the Toronto Raptors? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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