Despite leading the Raptors to their first NBA Finals in franchise history, Las Vegas bookkeepers don't think Toronto will be able to convince Kawhi Leonard to stay in the city.
On Tuesday, Caesars Palace revealed that the Los Angeles Clippers have a commanding lead over other suitors with a -200 chance of landing Kawhi. While this is disappointing news for the Raptors, they can find solace in knowing that their over-the-top campaigns are slightly working. They are in second place +125 odds. Toronto is followed by the Knicks and Warriors at +280 and +300 odds respectively. Yet, the likelihood the Lakers pull in the Klaw is a longshot; the shambling franchise has just a +900 chance of pairing Leonard with LeBron.
The Clippers and the Raptors have been jockeying for the lead on Leonard for some time. In the previous weeks, the high of his epic playoff run combined with the city's outpour of affection had the Raptors seeded at the top. But the possibility of Kawhi returning to his hometown is an opportunity anyone would relish. With the Raptors facing off against the Warriors in the NBA Finals, it is possible that the outcome of this series will determine where Leonard will be making his bed next year.
