Kawhi Leonard Unlikely to Join the Nets

The Nets made the playoffs this season for the first time since Sean Marks began managing the team in 2016. After an outstanding year, it’s no surprise that they are predicted to be a popular target for top-tier free agents.

“The thought is if they add one or two more pieces, they could be a legitimate contender in the wide-open Eastern Conference,” said Alex Kennedy from USA Today’s “HoopsHype”.

Rumors suggest that Raptors small forward, Kawhi Leonard, may consider the Nets due to his connections with the team. Marks was an assistant coach for the Spurs in 2014 when Leonard was still with them.

The Nets GM isn’t the only member from his team that worked with Leonard during his San Antonio days. A Nets assistant coach, scout and former Spurs center, Tiago Splitter, played alongside Leonard for four seasons.

Though Brooklyn fans may look forward to having an acclaimed player like Leonard, the Nets are definitely not his only projected choice.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski predicts that Leonard will either join the Los Angeles Clippers or stay with the Raptors.

“The Raptors could pay him more, they could pay him a 200 million-dollar-plus deal if he wants to stay in Toronto,” Wojnarowski said on “Get Up!”

Leonard has also been receiving offers from fans to stay in Toronto. A new movement called, “Ka’Wine and Dine”, would allow the player to receive free food for life in Toronto restaurants if he stays with the Raptors.

It has also been widely rumored that Leonard wants to play in LA, but is reluctant to work alongside another superstar, LeBron James, with the Lakers. This makes the Clippers the more probable LA team for Leonard to choose.

Despite the fact that Leonard has connections to the Nets, there is fierce competition in landing the small forward. With rewards for staying in Toronto and a desire to be on the West Coast, it’s quite feasible that Leonard may reject the Brooklyn team.