Fred VanVleet Says Kawhi Leonard Made His Intentions Clear From Day One in Toronto
Kawhi Leonard’s time with the Toronto Raptors may have been short, but it was nothing short of legendary. One season, one championship, and a legacy that will live forever in Canadian basketball history. But according to Fred VanVleet, Kawhi’s departure wasn’t a surprise-not to him, not to the team, and certainly not to Leonard himself.
Speaking on the Hello and Welcome podcast, VanVleet peeled back the curtain on that unforgettable 2018-19 season. And while Raptors fans were dreaming about a long-term partnership with the two-time Finals MVP, Leonard had already written the end of the story before it began.
“From day one, ‘I’m not staying here,’” VanVleet recalled. “From day one, ‘I don’t know why they traded for me.
I don’t want to be here. I’m not staying here.’”
That kind of honesty could’ve derailed a lesser team. But instead, it seemed to galvanize the Raptors.
Leonard may not have wanted to plant long-term roots in Toronto, but he showed up and delivered one of the most dominant postseason runs in recent memory. The result?
The Raptors dethroned the Golden State Warriors and hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first-and so far, only-time in franchise history.
VanVleet emphasized that there was no hard sell from the Raptors to get Leonard to stay, and no hard feelings when he left.
“There was no convincing,” VanVleet said. “And the only reason why is because he did what he came to do.”
And that’s the key here. Leonard didn’t string the team along.
He didn’t offer false hope. He came in, told them the deal, and then went out and did something that had never been done in Toronto.
That kind of transparency and execution earns respect, not resentment.
The Raptors did make a formal offer to keep him, VanVleet noted, but Leonard ultimately chose to return home to Southern California, signing with the LA Clippers. It was a move that made sense for him personally, even if it hasn’t panned out the way many expected on the court.
Since joining the Clippers, Leonard’s tenure has been defined more by injury reports and playoff frustrations than championship parades. The highs haven’t matched what he achieved in Toronto, and the Clippers-despite their star-studded roster and deep pockets-have struggled to find the postseason magic that Leonard once brought north of the border.
Kawhi Responds to Chris Paul’s Clippers Exit
While the Clippers continue to search for consistency on the court, they’ve also been dealing with drama off it. One of the more surprising storylines this season has been the abrupt exit of veteran point guard Chris Paul. The franchise sent him home, raising eyebrows across the league and sparking backlash from fans and players alike.
Paul, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Clippers history, reportedly had a rocky relationship with head coach Ty Lue. But when asked about the situation, Kawhi Leonard was quick to distance himself from the decision.
“Surprised at it,” Leonard said, via Clippers beat reporter Joey Linn. “He’s always been a willing teammate when I’ve spoke to him.
Only thing I could talk about is our conversations, and they’ve always been positive and team-forward. I didn’t have nothing to do with it.
I didn’t even know what was going on.”
Leonard’s comments suggest he was just as caught off guard as everyone else. Whether that’s the full story or not, the Clippers now find themselves navigating a roster shake-up, with Paul’s contract becoming a trade chip as the front office looks for ways to retool.
What’s Next for the Clippers?
The Clippers’ season has been anything but smooth. Injuries, inconsistent play, and now locker room drama have clouded what was supposed to be a championship-contending campaign. Leonard, for his part, continues to lead when he’s on the floor, but the clock is ticking on this team’s title window.
As for Toronto, the echoes of that 2019 championship still ring loud. Kawhi Leonard may have only worn the Raptors jersey for one season, but he gave the city everything he had-and left it with a banner that will hang forever.