The Kawhi saga has finally settled, as he was shipped out to Toronto in a trade deal that also sent DeMar DeRozan to Texas. He'll have to wait another year if he still wants to play in Los Angeles, but in the Raptors, Kawhi has an excellent opportunity next season.
Joining a 59-win team that was the first seed in the East last season, Kawhi could potentially lead the Toronto to the Finals this year, plus be the best player in the Conference. With great rewards on offer this season, and a public reputation to rebuild, he can't afford not to buy in.
But another reason why this season is so big for Kawhi is the other side of his career, that has been haunting both him, and his representatives.
Months after rejecting a new contract with Jordan, that was way off the normal salary for a player of his caliber, it was announced today that the brand will now be dropping the Forward at the start of next season.
It's gonna be a major year for his career, being a free agent as both a player and an endorsee within less of a year. We don't know if he wants to be "the guy" on a team of his choice, but he clearly wants a shoe deal that matches his individual rank in the league.
Jordan's dropping him. Nike and Adidas already have more marketable stars like LeBron, Kevin Durant and James Harden. Even Under Armour have Steph Curry.
Perhaps Kawhi should take a different route, and try and sign a deal with Puma.
After 20 years out of the game, Puma is once again trying to make a splash in the basketball community. Their first move was to acquire youth, signing four of the brightest prospects of this year's draft class, including the number one and two pick in DeAndre Ayton and Marvin Bagley Jr. But a proven, All-Star talent could be the next move to bring them into the discussion with the other major brands.
Other shoe free agents like Joel Embiid and DeMarcus Cousins may have more personality and star power, but signing a top five player in the league (when healthy), who is now in a major North American city, could be a match made in heaven.
For Kawhi, Puma may be the right move, as his lack of personality will be offset by their lack of a star endorsee. Who knows, maybe under the bright lights of The North, with Drake in the front row, Leonard will put on more of a show off the court than he ever did in San Antonio.
Signing great young talent is exciting, but Puma needs an All-Star. If he's looking for the big payday, then Kawhi should try and create something new with the brand, something which can emulate the new chapter of his career.
Every Puma needs a Klaw.
Would Puma offer Kawhi Leonard a major shoe deal? Let us know in the comments!
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