Kawhi Leonard Hires New Agent Ahead of Raptors Extension Talks

The Toronto Raptors made one of the biggest splash moves of the offseason by trading for Kawhi Leonard.

But now, they’re taking that a step further and making sure this isn’t just a short-term play, but rather a long-term partnership as the superstar forward begins his second stint with the franchise.

On Monday morning, it was reported that Leonard has hired a new agent to oversee his next contract with the Raptors, signaling that both sides are looking at this from a longer-term point of view.

On the surface, changing agents may not seem like major news. But in the NBA, these types of moves happen before big-time contract negotiations more than people would think.

And again, the blockbuster trade has already happened at this point. Now, the conversation shifts to longevity.

It’s widely expected that Leonard will sign a lucrative two-year extension to keep him in Toronto for the last handful of years of what is effectively the late stage of his prime. When healthy, Leonard is still able to play superstar-level basketball and impact winning at the highest level.

You don’t give up significant assets like the Raptors did unless you’re looking at this from a long-term point of view. So these extension talks were expected. They’re not surprising.

But they are important.

If the Raptors can get this extension done, Leonard will have the opportunity to compete for deep playoff runs in the Eastern Conference while Toronto continues building around him over the next few years.

The trade brought Leonard back to Toronto. Now, the Raptors are hoping he’s there to stay beyond just his current contract to ensure the assets given up pay dividends longer term.