NBA Free Agency: Kawhi Leonard to Meet with Clippers on July 2

Welcome NBA fans!

NBA Free Agency is around the corner, and there will be tons of rumors swirling about where our favorite players will either land or stay. In this case, the most coveted free agent, newly-crowned NBA champion Kawhi Leonard, is set to meet up with the Los Angeles Clippers. Ever since Kevin Durant ruptured his Achilles in the NBA Finals, Kawhi has been the only superstar whom teams are going after.

Whichever team Leonard goes to, that team will become an instant title contender. He will change the landscape of the NBA. The balance of power is in his hands. As Kawhi stated at the championship parade, he will make his decision when it is time. There are a few teams lining up with a chance to have a meeting with him, which includes the Raptors, Clippers, Knicks, and Lakers.

The only two teams that are on his radar are both the Raptors and Clippers.

Don’t rule out the Lakers just yet.

In a report by Frank Isola of The Athletic on Twitter, the Clippers are scheduled to have a meeting with Kawhi Leonard on July 2nd. It is likely that Kawhi will not drag out his decision. Hopefully, the Toronto Raptors have a meeting with him either on June 30th or on July 1st before he meets with the Clippers.

If Kawhi doesn’t meet with the Raptors first, this will indicate that he is on board with going back home in Los Angeles.

The question still remains, will another superstar join Leonard and become the heavy favorites to win the NBA championship next season? Or will Kawhi come alone, and become the first player to win an NBA title and Finals MVP with three different teams?

Only time will tell at this point.

It was rumored that Kawhi will sign a “short-term” deal with the Raptors if he chooses to re-sign with them. The short-term deal can be a 1+1 deal, which allows him to sign a two-year contract, and earn more money in 2021 as a free agent.

If that’s the case, he should stick with that deal.

To continue the hype for Kawhi Leonard, Andrew Greif of the L.A. Times tweeted about the Clippers displaying their billboards for him to come back home. Right now, L.A is doing everything they can to appease their hometown hero to welcome him with open arms. In my opinion, these appeasing billboards can do but so much.

Kawhi is a type of person who doesn’t need people appeasing him all the time.

All he wants to do is just play basketball and win championships. If he wants to win another championship, re-signing with the Raptors should be the top of his list. Other than that, I don’t see the Clippers winning an NBA title with him.

Why?

Because the West is wide open.

The West is "wide open".

The Lakers just acquired Anthony Davis to pair with LeBron James, who will make a lot of noise. The Utah Jazz just got improved with a huge upgrade at the point guard spot with the addition of Mike Conley.

The Houston Rockets still have James Harden and Chris Paul to win with. There are reports that the team is looking to go after Jimmy Butler when free agency hits.

As for the Golden State Warriors, they will fight their way back to the playoffs without Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant (if Durant stays with the team).

The Oklahoma City Thunder looks poised to win a title now with their two superstars in Russell Westbrook and Paul George.

The New Orleans Pelicans looks like a fun team to watch with the arrival of Zion Williamson.

Lastly, the Portland Trail Blazers has their elite backcourt in Damian Lillard and C.J. McCullum.

"The Klaw" has the NBA in his hands.

In the east, you have at least three teams who will compete for an NBA championship. We all know the Raptors are the favorites to repeat as champions if Kawhi re-signs. The Milwaukee Bucks will be on a mission to win a title after Giannis Antetokounmpo wins his first MVP award.

Will the Bucks afford to keep their core together?

The Philadelphia 76ers wants to win now by keeping Jimmy Butler. If the Sixers doesn’t manage to keep him, the Rockets will be knocking on their door to trade for him.

In the end, it is Kawhi Leonard who will meet with the Clippers on July 2nd.

There is nothing that both Toronto or Lakers can do about it.

I hope you guys enjoyed reading my article!

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