Kawhi Leonard’s Departure: A Candid Confession from Day One
It’s been over seven years since the Toronto Raptors executed a high-stakes trade that would forever alter the trajectory of their franchise. Acquiring Kawhi Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs, the Raptors took a monumental gamble that culminated in their historic 2019 NBA Championship run. The price of this bold move was steep, as Toronto sent fan-favorite DeMar DeRozan and promising center Jakob Poeltl to San Antonio.
The High-Stakes Gamble
Leonard’s acquisition was riddled with uncertainty. With only a one-year contract and impending free agency looming, the Raptors’ decision was both audacious and risky. Fred VanVleet, a key player during that championship season, laid bare the reality of Leonard’s mindset on a recent episode of the “Hello and Welcome Podcast.”
From the outset, Leonard was transparent about his intentions. “He said it from day one, I’m not staying here,” VanVleet recalled. “He was clear, saying, ‘I don’t know why they traded for me. I don’t want to be here. I’m not staying here.’” Despite the Raptors’ efforts to court him, including the city’s unprecedented adoration, Leonard’s resolve was firm. “Kawhi is Kawhi,” VanVleet added, underscoring the enigmatic forward’s single-minded approach.
A Championship Worth the Risk
Leonard’s declaration didn’t deter the Raptors from pursuing their championship aspirations. The team surged through the playoffs, ultimately defeating the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors in a thrilling six-game series. This victory not only secured the Raptors their first title but also validated the risks taken in bringing Leonard to Toronto. Had they failed to capture the championship, the Raptors could have faced intense scrutiny for a trade that seemed to backfire.
In hindsight, VanVleet’s comments amplify the high stakes involved in the Raptors’ gamble—one that they likely understood would lead to Leonard’s departure. His refusal to engage in contract extension talks upon arrival hinted at his intentions, yet the Raptors pressed on, knowing the potential rewards outweighed the risks.
Looking Ahead
As the Raptors gear up for their next matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at the Fiserv Forum, fans can reflect on the legacy of that monumental trade. Leonard’s contribution to the franchise is enshrined in history, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NBA and the lengths teams will go to secure their place among the champions.
While the Raptors may have lost Leonard to the Los Angeles Clippers post-championship, they will always cherish the title that came from taking that chance. As VanVleet noted, sometimes, it takes a roll of the dice to break through the barriers of success—and for the Raptors, that gamble paid off in the most significant way possible.
