‘I took a liking to this city’: Kawhi Leonard opens up about return to Toronto
Coming off a 46-win season and a first-round playoff exit with a new core intact, the Raptors, with Leonard in tow, are expected to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
The Toronto Raptors have brought back Kawhi Leonard, their star player who helped the team win their first NBA championship in 2019. In a behind-the-scenes video, Leonard expressed his appreciation for the city and his desire to return to Toronto. The Raptors obtained Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers in a trade that involved Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple draft picks.
Leonard stated that he is not focused on chasing championships and that he feels a strong connection to the city and his family, who have settled there. General manager Bobby Webster expressed his excitement about Leonard's return, and head coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized Leonard's role in helping the team's young players. With Leonard returning, the Raptors, who had a disappointing 46-win season, are expected to remain competitive in the crowded Eastern Conference.
The team's starting lineup is expected to include players like Jakob Poeltl, Gradey Dick, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley, along with young talent such as Collin Murray-Boyles, Ja'Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, and Allen Graves. Leonard is set to be formally introduced by the Raptors in the coming days, with training camp approaching.
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