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Toronto Raptors: Close confidant believes Kawhi Leonard will re-sign

By Paul Taylor

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs and the Western Conference is introduced as rapper Drake looks on during the NBA All-Star Game 2016 at the Air Canada Centre on February 14, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs and the Western Conference is introduced as rapper Drake looks on during the NBA All-Star Game 2016 at the Air Canada Centre on February 14, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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A close confidant of Kawhi Leonard reportedly believes he will fall in love with his new city and re-sign with the Toronto Raptors next summer.

Another day and more speculation regarding Kawhi Leonard. However, at least this is one story Toronto Raptors‘ fans can get behind, due to its positive angle.

A close confidant of Leonard reportedly believes he will re-sign with the Raptors next summer. This latest news comes courtesy of The San Diego Union-Tribune‘s Mark Ziegler.

Ziegler reports that he spoke to a source who has close connections with the two-time Defensive Player of the Year. The confidant apparently said:

"“He’s going to fall in love with Toronto – it’s going to happen. He’s not going to leave, I’m telling you.”"

In reality, no matter how well this person may know Leonard, there is just no way of knowing how this will all play out. There are just too many factors to consider at this stage, which will influence his eventual decision.

However, the source makes a good point about how Toronto could play a major part in the 27-year-old’s choice 12 months from now. Numerous NBA players have admitted over the years, that The Big Smoke is their favourite away city to visit during the season.

Even Leonard’s quiet personality shouldn’t be negatively impacted by living in the melting pot that is Toronto. No matter how well the Raptors do, this is still a city where the media and fans alike are more obsessed with — and critical of — the Leafs.

People will understandably argue the Los Angeles native will still prefer to move closer to home, where he has a house. However, it’s worth noting DeMar DeRozan is also originally from California, but still fell in love with Toronto. (And yes, we appreciate the irony of using DeRozan as a comparison.)

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Outside of enjoying living in Southern Ontario, another factor which will theoretically influence Leonard’s final decision, is money. When he becomes a free agent next summer, he can make more from staying in Toronto.

If the 2014 NBA Finals MVP re-signs with the Raptors, he is allowed a maximum of $190 million over five seasons (worth an average of $38 million per year). If, however, he decides to sign elsewhere, the maximum he can get is $141 million over four seasons (worth $35.25 million a year).

Now admittedly, there is one simple counter-argument to this. If money was indeed Leonard’s main motivation, he would have wanted to stay in San Antonio and sign a five-year extension worth $221 million.

And really, this brings us back to the original point that there’s just too many factors to consider right now. Yes, it offers hope when a close confidant of Leonard believes he will re-sign to remain in Toronto, but in truth that’s all it is at this stage – hope.

Next: Don't be fooled by Masai Ujiri's apology

Where do you stand on the Leonard situation? Will he re-sign with the Toronto Raptors and remain with the team long-term, or leave as soon as he becomes a free agent next summer? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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