"I Don't Want To Be Here": $50,000,000 Guard Claims Kawhi Leonard Shocked Raptors Locker Room With Cold First Day Truth

Kawhi Leonard arrived, conquered and left the Toronto Raptors in one season, leaving the franchise after leading them to their first NBA championship in 2019. Fred VanVleet revealed that Leonard knew that he wasn't staying in Toronto and informed his teammates about his plans on the first day.

Speaking on the "Hello and Welcome" podcast, VanVleet shared a story of how Leonard told him and the entire team that he's not going to be in Toronto for more than one season. He did his job and helped the Raptors take down the Golden State Warriors to win the NBA title in 2019.

Here's what VanVleet said about if the Raptors tried to convince Leonard to stay:

"No, and the only reason why is because he did what he came to do. And he said it from day one, 'I’m not staying here.' From day one, 'I don’t know why they traded for me. I don’t want to be here. I’m not staying here.'"

Fred VanVleet added that the Toronto Raptors made an effort to at least make an offer to Kawhi Leonard, but he turned it down. VanVleet, the Raptors and the entire city of Toronto weren't angry at Leonard for his decision because he fulfilled what he was supposed to do.

Leonard ended up signing with the LA Clippers, though his tenure there has been filled with injuries and playoff shortcomings. He was on top of the world when he left Toronto, but he hasn't reached the same levels since joining Steve Ballmer's seemingly cursed franchise.

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Kawhi Leonard comments on Chris Paul's exit from Clippers

Kawhi Leonard comments on Chris Paul's exit from Clippers. (Photo: IMAGN)

In addition to their terrible start to the season, one of the biggest headlines from the LA Clippers was Chris Paul getting sent home. The Clippers were called out by fans, players and other basketball personalities for the way they treated Paul, who could be considered the greatest player in franchise history.

While Paul's relationship with Ty Lue reportedly played a factor, Kawhi Leonard denied that he had something to do with CP3's exit.

"Surprised at it," Leonard said, according to Clippers beat reporter Joey Linn. "He’s always been a willing teammate when I’ve spoke to him. Only thing I could talk about is our conversations, and they’ve always been positive and team-forward. I didn’t have nothing to do with it. I didn’t even know what was going on."

The Clippers are looking for a way to get Paul's contract off their books. He' now also eligible to get traded.