The first few days of free agency have been a wild ride, to say the least. After the first day alone, we already had clarity about some of the biggest questions heading into the offseason, with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant confirming the long-standing rumors that they’d join forces in Brooklyn, Kemba Walker heading to the Celtics, and so much more.
The biggest question left is what will happen with Kawhi Leonard, the last remaining superstar on the market whose decision could ultimately alter the NBA landscape for years to come. Kawhi and his camp warned us early on that he’d be in no rush as he mulls his future, and that’s held emphatically true so far as we enter the third day of the moratorium.
There have been indications that the two-time Finals MVP has narrowed his options to the Lakers, Clippers, and Raptors, and according to a new report from Chris Haynes on Tuesday, that’s still the case. Haynes went on ESPN Los Angeles radio and said he expects Kawhi will take a couple of more days to weigh it all out before announcing his decision.
https://twitter.com/LakeShowWorld/status/1146142646345187328
Beyond that, it’s been noticeably quiet on that front in terms of media speculation about which way he’s leaning. Apparently, that is by design, as some believe Kawhi may be testing the loyalty of his potential suitors.
2. Officials from both the Lakers and Clippers appear to determined to say as little as possible — less than ever for a free agent of this prominence as @ryenarussillo likes to say — to avoid upsetting Kawhi's camp when they have insisted on total silence
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 2, 2019
Prior to Kevin Durant signing with the Nets, it’s emerged in recent days that Kawhi had reached out to KD about potentially teaming up, though that option quickly disappeared when free agency began on Sunday. He’s also been in contact with Magic Johnson about the possibility joining the Lakers and had allegedly grilled the former team president about whether he attempted to trade for him last summer.
With their recent moves, the Lakers have cleared enough cap space to sign a max player like Kawhi, and furthermore, LeBron is reportedly willing to take a backseat if Kawhi were to hop on board. Regardless, it looks like we’ll have to wait at least a couple more days before we know anything for sure.
