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Last week, the Toronto Raptors took a huge risk when they traded away franchise star DeMard Derozan for disgruntled superstar Kawhi Leonard. Leonard, who has only one year left on his current contract, has made it known that he wants to play in Los Angeles next season but perhaps he’s softening his stance a bit. Last week a report came out indicating that Leonard was warming up to the idea of playing in Toronto and now San Diego Union Tribune reporter Mark Ziegler reveals that someone close to the former Spurs forward believes there’s a good chance Leonard decides to re-sign with the team next summer.
Here’s what someone who knows Leonard as well as anybody told me privately: “He’s going to fall in love with Toronto – it’s going to happen. He’s not going to leave, I’m telling you.”
If he’s healthy Leonard would easily be considered the best player in the Eastern Conference and the Raptors are definitely contenders to make it to the NBA finals next season especially with LeBron leaving Cleveland. I believe it’s going to be hard for him to leave that situation to go out west where the competition is hot and heavy year round.