Kawhi Leonard has hired new representation as he considers a contract extension with the Toronto Raptors, according to reports. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reports that Leonard selected Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports as his agent. The expectation is that Gaines will meet with the Raptors to discuss the terms of a potential new deal. The discussions are set to follow Leonard’s trade from the Los Angeles Clippers, which is reported to become official later this week.
Yahoo Sports adds context that Leonard’s agent change follows complications tied to his prior contract with the Clippers. Yahoo reports that allegations surfaced related to how the Clippers handled the salary cap during the period leading to his previous agreement, and that Leonard’s decision to switch agents comes after those claims.
Taken together, the reports indicate Leonard is preparing for extension talks with Toronto while transitioning to a new agent, with the timing linked to the completion of his move from the Clippers.
