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2019 NBA free agency: Analyzing Kawhi Leonard’s options

By Ananth Para

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors speaks to the media after Game Six of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors on June 13, 2019 at ORACLE Arena 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 13: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors speaks to the media after Game Six of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors on June 13, 2019 at ORACLE Arena 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Toronto Raptors

Staying in Toronto seems to be Kawhi’s safest bet. After coming off one of the most improbable NBA title runs the league has ever seen, Kawhi would be returning to a situation where not only will he beloved by every Canadian across the country, but he would singlehandedly ensure that president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri would continue to wheel and deal to surround Kawhi with the best talent possible.

With the entirety of the Raptors’ core members locked in for at least another year, Kawhi Leonard would be guaranteed a shot at winning another ring in what is set to be a wide open Eastern Conference title race.

A team built around Leonard with Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka, Marc Gasol, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, Norman Powell and the burgeoning OG Anunoby offers the perfect blend of young talent and battle-tested veterans that each and every title contender needs. Not to mention, Kawhi’s on-court chemistry alongside his Toronto running mates has worked better than anyone could have expected.

Next. 2019 NBA free agency tracker - grades for every deal so far. dark

Kawhi Leonard can build a legacy in either of his desired Los Angeles destinations, but Toronto offers Kawhi the only chance to become the face of basketball in the most improbable, unlikely way possible. What other way would the league’s anti-superstar have it?