After his trade claim it is still unclear if and where Kawhi Leonard is actually traded by the San Antonio Spurs. According to insider Brian Windhorst, the Toronto Raptors now have the best cards.
The ESPN reporter said on Monday in the “Lowe Post” podcast that in his opinion the Raptors are “in the driver’s seat” for Leonard. The reason for this is that both the Lakers and the Sixers have now retired from the race.
“The Lakers have given up, the Sixers have given up and the Nets, Bulls and Hawks have used their cap space elsewhere, making it much harder to trade with multiple teams,” Windhorst explained. “I think the Raptors are in the driver’s seat now.”
It is unclear what the Raptors would actually offer for Leonard or what the Spurs want. Sophomore O.G. Anunoby must be “definitely” involved, as the podcast explained, San Antonio would probably want either Kyle Lowry or DeMar DeRozan and draft picks.
Leonard, 27, however, has only one year contract left, which is why lucrative offers for the two-time All-Star have probably not yet been made. Next season Leonard is entitled to $20.1 million.