On Wednesday, the San Antonio Spurs' relationship with Kawhi Leonard was brought to an end as he was shipped off to the Eastern Conference to the Toronto Raptors.

The Spurs traded Leonard and Danny Green to the Raptors for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a protected 2019 first-round pick. 

The first-round pick sent to San Antonio is a protected 1-20 selection, and after one year, it becomes two second-round picks. The Spurs also sent $5 million to the Raptors to cover the luxury-tax hit incurred due to the trade kicker.

When news first broke that Kawhi would be sent to Toronto, not his desired Los Angeles, reports emerged stating that he didn't want to play there.

Change of tune

However, it appears as though the new Raptors star has now changed his tune, via Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Wojnarowski reported that the Raptors have been in communication with Leonard’s camp, citing that he’s going to play, he’ll be in training camp, and that he’s healthy.

The report also says that the forward is starting to warm to the idea of playing in Toronto, a team which is going to be a contender in the Eastern Conference. However, his mind is still on moving to Los Angeles next year.

Playing well for the Raptors is arguably the best way for Kawhi to get what he wants next summer when he likely becomes a free agent.

If he holds out, the Raptors could fine him, potentially all the way up to his entire $20,099,189 salary for next season. If it was concluded he withheld services for more than 30 days of the season, he could be refused free agency completely.

Perhaps as well Leonard is jumping to conclusions too quickly, and he should look at another big name player that wanted to play for the Los Angeles Lakers before changing his mind. Paul George.

When George joined the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, many thought he would be there for just one year before moving to the Lakers. However, he changed his mind, and now it looks like he could be in OKC for many years to come.

While the same isn't guaranteed to happen for Leonard, the player himself shouldn't limit his options by refusing to play, as things might be better for him than he thinks they will be. If not, then he hasn't damaged his free agency options next summer by refusing to play.

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