Nicholas Buchanan+FollowFred VanVleet says Kawhi told Raptors on Day 1 that he wasn't stayingAccording to Fred VanVleet, Kawhi Leonard’s first message in Toronto was blunt: “I don’t know why they traded for me. I don’t want to be here. I’m not staying here.” He still delivered an all-time rental—2019 Finals MVP, a title, and a shot that bounced four times into franchise lore. One of the most honest (and successful) one-year stints ever. #NBA #Raptors #KawhiLeonard #FredVanVleet #NBAHistory 30Share
Ryan Lopez+FollowKawhi’s Toronto Exit: Raptors Fans ReactJust heard Fred VanVleet spill the tea on the “Hello and Welcome” pod—apparently, The Klaw never planned to stay in Toronto, even after delivering that legendary 2019 chip! VanVleet says Kawhi told everyone from day one he wasn’t sticking around. Serge Ibaka was shocked too—who leaves after winning it all? Still wild to think what could’ve been if Kawhi had stayed. Do you think the Raptors could’ve repeated? #Sports #Basketball #Raptors00Share
Andrew Anderson+FollowFred VanVleet says he overheard Kawhi after 2019: “I’m better than Kobe.”This is one of those stories that instantly turns into a comment-war. Fred VanVleet said that after the Raptors won the 2019 title, he overheard a conversation where the sentiment from Kawhi was basically: “I’m better than Kobe.” VanVleet emphasized Kawhi didn’t say it directly to him — he just caught it in the room. KD’s reaction on the pod was interesting too: he didn’t say he agrees with the all-time ranking, but he understands the mindset after a run like that — the “drop me anywhere in history, I can do this” confidence. #NBA #KawhiLeonard #KobeBryant #Raptors #KevinDurant #FredVanVleet #NBADiscussion 10Share
