The Toronto Raptors are eyeing a potential reunion with Kawhi Leonard, the star forward who led them to their first NBA championship. Jeremy Lin, who was part of the title-winning squad in 2018-19, believes Leonard’s impact on the team could be immense once again.
During a recent interview, Lin expressed his belief that Leonard serves as a crucial piece for the Raptors, referring to him as a “magnet” due to his influence on the team’s success. The pending trade for Leonard is currently on hold pending an NBA investigation into salary cap allegations involving Leonard and the Clippers.
Lin emphasized the significance of Leonard potentially ending his career in Toronto and highlighted the forward’s ability to elevate the team’s performance both on and off the court. Leonard’s impact goes beyond his statistics, as he has the ability to make everyone around him better, according to Lin.
The trade deal would see Leonard joining a young Raptors team led by rising stars such as Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. Lin acknowledged that while Leonard’s return could raise expectations, he sees the Raptors as a dark horse in the Eastern Conference rather than immediate favorites.
Despite uncertainties surrounding the trade and Leonard’s future, Lin remains optimistic about the potential of the Raptors with Leonard back in the lineup. He praised Leonard’s game-changing abilities and emphasized how the forward can shift the dynamics of an entire organization.