Kyle Lowry is thinking big. During the Toronto Raptors’ championship parade on Monday, he publicly appealed for Kawhi Leonard to return to the team during free agent this offseason.
At the parade, Raptors fans began to chant, “one more year,” at Leonard, who was riding the team bus. Lowry stood up beside Leonard and changed the discussion. Lowry put up his hand — showing five fingers — and responded with a chant of his own: “Five more years.” Lowry flashed a huge smile and hugged Leonard. The crowd loved it, and grew even louder. Leonard, meanwhile, smiled but (of course) had little reaction — committed not to tip his hand on what he’ll do next.
The appeals from Lowry and the fans may help push the needle in retaining Leonard. But the truth is probably that — as Fred VanVleet suggested — the Raptors and their fans have done everything within their power to convince Leonard to stay.
