Whether it’s at restaurants and pubs, the gym or the grocery store, or really anywhere you go, there’s no avoiding it: “Is he staying?” is the burning question this summer in Toronto.
So, it’s only natural that Toronto Raptors guard Danny Green had to face some inquiries about superstar Kawhi Leonard during Hoops Talk, an event that gathers basketball specialists and fans.
Green, who was traded with Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs last July, seems optimistic about the Raptors’ prospects of convincing the defending Finals MVP of staying in Canada.
“I don’t know the percentage [of chance that he stays],” Green said during the event Saturday. “But i think it’s a higher percentage for him to be here than to leave.”
Leonard has been showered with attention everywhere he’s been during the off-season while Toronto Raptors fans — old and new — spend leisurely hours musing over the superstar’s impending free agency and where he’s playing next year.
Raptors fans have launched countless campaigns and made infinite promises to try and get Leonard to stay in Toronto, including free meals and a free trip to Barbados. Toronto mayor John Tory went as far as to suggest he would step down as mayor if it meant the All-Star would stay. Tory was also at the forefront of KawhiUShouldStay.com, which allows fans to sign a petition and leave comments for Leonard.
“The city, the fans have done their job, the organization’s done their job. it’s going to be a hard place to turn down,” said Green. “[You] have a great team and have a city, people, fans that love you and are willing to give you damn near everything. And a condo… and some food… and a plane… and dessert after that, who knows.
“They give you everything, the world, and then some.”
Leonard finished his stellar 2019 post-season with an average of 30.5 points, 3.9 assists and 9.1 rebounds in 39.1 minutes played.
Free-agency negotiations are set to begin on June 30.
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