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| Photo: Kawhi Leonard (Instagram) |
Toronto Raptors fans are reliving the heartbreak of losing Kawhi Leonard, thanks to a recent lawsuit. A former Los Angeles Clippers employee filed a suit on Thursday, alleging the Clippers went to extreme lengths to secure Leonard’s signature in 2019, sparking frustration among Toronto fans who feel robbed of a potential dynasty.
Leonard left Toronto in free agency just after helping the Raptors win their first-ever NBA Championship. Many fans believe his departure cost the team a real chance to win another title the following year. The Raptors put together a strong season in 2019-20 but fell short in the playoffs, leaving fans wondering what could have been if Leonard had stayed.
Since Leonard’s departure, Toronto has entered a rebuilding phase without any big-name replacements. While fans had hoped for another star through trades or free agency, nothing has come close to filling the gap Leonard left. The lawsuit adds salt to the wound, as former Raptors star Kyle Lowry and coach Nick Nurse have now moved on, currently working with the Philadelphia 76ers.
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| Photo: Kawhi Leonard (Instagram) |
The lawsuit, filed by Leonard’s former trainer Randy Shelton, claims the Clippers dismissed him last summer after he raised concerns about Leonard's health management. The Clippers deny Shelton’s claims, saying they upheld his contract fully.
For the Raptors, the case brings up the question of tampering. The suit alleges the Clippers had been working to lure Leonard to Los Angeles since his time with the San Antonio Spurs, pushing the boundaries of NBA rules. It claims Clippers staff had meetings with Shelton even while Leonard was leading the Raptors’ playoff run. The NBA has stated it’s reviewing the lawsuit.
When Leonard joined Toronto in 2018, it was widely known he wanted to be in Southern California. The Raptors hoped he’d consider staying long-term, but the Clippers pursued him persistently. Their interest became obvious, with Clippers officials attending numerous Raptors games and even their owner, Steve Ballmer, showing up courtside in Toronto.
Though the Clippers have denied any wrongdoing, Shelton’s lawsuit paints a different picture. He claims Clippers officials constantly asked for details about Leonard’s needs and planned ways to bring him to Los Angeles. The lawsuit states the Clippers prioritized profits and wins over Leonard’s health, leading to the injuries he has struggled with since leaving Toronto.
Leonard’s time with the Raptors was his last healthy season. Under Toronto’s health management, Leonard played 60 games and was crucial in all 24 playoff games. Since then, he’s been plagued by injuries with the Clippers.
For Raptors fans, the lawsuit is a reminder of what could have been—a legendary season cut short. Now, it’s up to the courts to decide if the Clippers crossed the line. But for Toronto fans, the memories of that one glorious season remain bittersweet. Source: SportsNet
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