4 Reasons Kawhi Leonard Should Absolutely Re-Sign With the Raptors

Sunday's inauguration of NBA free agency delivered some exceptional and unprecedented twists that rocked the sport world.

However, there's still one final piece of the puzzle who currently doesn't have a home and his decision could potentially shape the future and balance of the league for years to come. His name is Kawhi Leonard and as things currently stand, the Lakers are the current favorites to sign The Claw, with the Raptors and Clippers not far behind.

With that in mind, let's examine a few reasons as to why Kawhi should spurn his hometown state and remain in The North with Toronto.

4. Money

As Leonard hilariously pointed out in a post-NBA Finals news conference, "the Board Man gets paid!" Toronto can offer the three-time All-Star more guaranteed money than any other team in the league. The Raptors can offer him a five-year, $190 million deal whereas the most a new team could offer is $141 million over four years. That's an AAV of $38 mil with the Raps compared $35.3 with anybody else.

3. Toronto Adores Him

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Kawhi should absolutely remain in Toronto because of how much he is cherished for delivering the city its first championship in franchise history. Why would the two-time Finals MVP ditch that acclaim for the unforgiving, relentless Los Angeles fan base and media? Leonard has it made in Toronto and it would behoove him remain the King of the North.

2. He Hates the Superteam Concept

Everybody knows that Leonard is the dynasty-destroyer not a sovereignty-schemer. The Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors both saw their reigns firmly end at the hands of the San Diego State product. In theory, he also neutralized the San Antonio Spurs empire by electing to sit out and eventually leave. Since his departure, Gregg Popovich and Co. haven't come close to replicating the same level of success as they did when Kawhi was in town. Additionally, he's come out and said that the idea of playing with fellow superstars isn't a concept that he fancies.

1. "Let's run it back."

It really is as simple as that. Is there any reason to believe that the Raps wouldn't be a legitimate contender next season? They will still have a core of Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka, Pascal Siakam and Fred Van Fleet. Yes, the East significantly improved over the last few days, but we all know how much Kawhi loves a challenge.