Overview
- Speaking on the Hello and Welcome podcast, VanVleet recalled Leonard telling teammates upon arrival that he did not plan to remain in Toronto.
- He said the Raptors and the city pulled out all the stops to persuade Leonard, yet the star’s decision was already made.
- VanVleet expressed lasting gratitude for Leonard’s role in delivering the 2019 title and for the career lift it provided teammates.
- Leonard signed with the Clippers in 2019, prompting the Paul George trade that cost Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and multiple first‑round picks, with Los Angeles’ results hampered by Leonard’s injuries.
- VanVleet also described sensing organizational headwinds in Toronto, citing a pending sale and tighter budgets that influenced roster decisions and preceded his 2024 move to the Rockets.