Kawhi Leonard Reportedly 'Seriously' Considering Staying With Raptors After Declining Player Option

In a not-so surprising move, Kawhi Leonard declined his player-option at $21.3 million for 2019-20, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. And according to insider Chris Haynes, the reigning NBA Finals MVP is seriously weighing re-signing with the Raptors, just about the best possible news fans in the Six could have hoped for.

Leonard chosing not to opt in fully confirms that he's expecting a max contract, one that will be offered to him from numerous teams interested in adding his services-- and doing exactly what the Raptors did this past season. After the playoff run that Leonard went on, teams will rightly view him as the superstar needed to turn the tables on the competition and chase glory.

The Raptors cannot lose Leonard, as their organizational plan changes drastically without him as the centerpiece. They must do whatever is necessary to keep him, even on a short-term deal. And they've got a chance to do it.

Kawhi's name now officially joins the list of stars on the free agent market, a market that has seen a complete shift now that Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson are injured and Kemba Walker is reportedly angling to stay in Charlotte on a super-max deal. Leonard, who has been said to be considering the Raptors and Clippers as his top two choices, is surely the single biggest game-changer available.