Kawhi Leonard rejected Heat interest before Raptors trade

The Miami Heat were reportedly among several teams that explored the possibility of acquiring Kawhi Leonard before he ultimately landed with the Toronto Raptors.

Miami was not alone in showing interest, with Minnesota and Detroit also identified as potential trade destinations. However, Leonard’s contract situation apparently limited the willingness of interested teams to make a major offer.

According to The Stein Line, Leonard communicated that he would only consider signing a contract extension with Toronto or San Antonio.

“As The Stein Line first reported in June, Leonard made it known amid interest from trade suitors such as Miami, Minnesota, Detroit that he would only be interested in signing an extension with the Raptors or San Antonio (which did not pursue a trade for him).”