Kawhi Leonard hires new agent for Toronto Raptors extension talks
Kawhi Leonard has appointed a new agent to oversee imminent contract extension negotiations with the Toronto Raptors following his blockbuster trade from the Los Angeles Clippers.
The two-time Finals MVP has hired Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports to handle his affairs as the multi-player exchange becomes official this week.
Gaines, who previously served as the forward’s business attorney, is scheduled to meet franchise officials in Canada over the coming days.
The veteran currently has one season and $50.3m remaining on his existing agreement.
A historic return to Canada
The move represents a major shift in representation for the American, who was previously guided by Mitch Frankel and his uncle Dennis Robertson.
His dramatic return to Toronto involves a massive trade package that sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and multiple future first-round draft picks to Los Angeles.
The six-time NBA All-Star famously led the franchise to their first and only championship in 2019, winning Finals MVP after averaging 28.5 points per game against the Golden State Warriors.
Suitors such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons reportedly abandoned their pursuit of the player last month after he made it clear he would only commit long-term to the Raptors.
Eyeing a lucrative extension
According to NBA salary cap experts, the former San Antonio Spurs star is now eligible to sign a two-year extension worth up to $123.7m.
Familiarity with the front office, an affinity for the city and a belief in their Eastern Conference contention prospects are understood to be the driving factors behind his commitment.
He is now poised to become just the 53rd player in NBA history to win a championship, leave the organisation and eventually reunite with his former team.
Clippers face NBA investigation
Meanwhile, his former employers are currently under investigation by the NBA regarding potential salary cap circumvention.
The league is examining whether the Clippers unlawfully funnelled money to the player through a lucrative $28m endorsement deal with green banking company Aspiration.
The corporate entity in question concurrently holds a staggering 23-year, $300m sponsorship agreement with the California franchise and owner Steve Ballmer.