After Opting Out of Contract, Raptors Now Odds-On Favorites to Sign Kawhi Leonard
- Where will Kawhi Leonard sign now that he has opted out of his contract?
- Are the Raptors the best bet?
- See the odds on favorites to sign Kawhi below
On Sunday it was reported Kawhi Leonard had opted out of his contract. It was no surprise since everyone and their grandmother knew the 2019 Finals MVP was planning to hit free agency and secure a max contract. Now the big question on everyone’s lips is where will Leonard go?
Many thought the All-Star would not want to play in Toronto after being dealt to the team, but after winning the championship there have been many reports suggesting he will re-sign. Oddsmakers agree as they have the Raptors as the favorites to sign Leonard. In fact, Toronto’s odds have improved significantly from June 12th when they were -175.
Kawhi Leonard Free Agency Odds
| Team | Odds to Sign Kawhi Leonard |
|---|---|
| Toronto Raptors | -225 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | +175 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +800 |
| New York Knicks | +1400 |
| Brooklyn Nets | +1600 |
*Odds taken 06/24/19
Who Will Land Kawhi?
As evidenced by the odds, and the rumors the entire NBA season, this truly is a two-team race for Kawhi Leonard. It will no doubt come down to the Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Clippers.
At the beginning of the season, many though Leonard was going to the Clippers in free agency. But, after a season where the Raptors’ medical staff played a pivotal role and Toronto won the championship it swayed the odds considerably. Even longtime teammate, Danny Green believes the chances of Leonard re-signing are higher than him leaving.
“I don’t know the percentage [of chance that he stays],” Green said during his live podcast on Saturday. “But I think it’s a higher percentage for him to be here than to leave.”
If Leonard does re-sign in Toronto, I would expect it to be a short-term deal such as a one year plus an option, or a two-year deal. Toronto has been built to rebuild in the summer of 2020 with the likes of Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka, Marc Gasol, and Fred VanVleet all set to become free agents.
Ultimately, I believe Kawhi Leonard will re-sign with the Raptors as they try to run it back and win consecutive titles. Even at -225, there is some value on Toronto.
Pick: Toronto Raptors (-225)
Cole graduated from Sheridan College in April of 2019 with a diploma in journalism. He now is a full-time freelance writer, focusing on MMA for sites like BJPENN, while also covering the Toronto Blue Jays as a credentialed media member. At SBD, Cole covers the four major sports and MMA.
