The 2019 NBA Finals MVP had a chance to opt-in to his 2019-2020 contract with the Raptors. Alas, Kawhi has declined his player option, wisely I might add. You see, opting in would have “only” paid him $21.3 million next season.
Everyone and their mother knows that The Klaw is gonna make much more than that.
While this may feel like a blow to Raptors fans, there should be reason for optimism.
Yahoo Sources: Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard declining $21.3 million player option to become unrestricted free agent with the Finals MVP seriously considering re-signing. https://t.co/cWhpcyyjXO pic.twitter.com/c8qNBOi0Nu
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 23, 2019
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Could Kawhi really end up back in The North? Financially, it makes sense.
Toronto can give him a 5-year, $189.7 million contract. Everyone else in the NBA? Well, at best, they can offer 4-years $140.6 million. I’m no mathematician but that means Toronto can give him more money AND that vaunted fifth year.
Only time will tell if Kawhi remains in Toronto or bolts for a destination like the Clippers.
-Dillon Leary