Former Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, known for his candid nature, has shared startling new details about the championship-winning 2019 season, revealing that superstar Kawhi Leonard made his desire to leave clear from the moment he arrived.
"From Day 1, 'I Ain't Staying Here'"
In a recent appearance on the Hello and Welcome podcast with hosts Will Lou and Alex Wong, VanVleet pulled back the curtain on Leonard's brief but historic tenure in Toronto. While acknowledging the partnership was a "perfect match" that resulted in an NBA title, VanVleet stated Leonard's long-term intentions were never a secret.
"He said it from day one… 'I'm not staying here,'" VanVleet revealed. According to the former Raptor, Leonard told his new teammates immediately after the trade: "I don't know why they traded for me. I don't want to be here. I'm not staying here."
A Championship Run and Lasting Legacy
Despite Leonard's predetermined exit plan, VanVleet expressed immense gratitude for his former teammate's contribution. "He did what he came to do," VanVleet said, crediting Leonard for carrying the team to its first championship and "chang[ing] a lot of people's lives."
VanVleet's own career trajectory skyrocketed following the title run, evolving from an undrafted free agent into an All-Star who secured major contracts, most recently with the Houston Rockets. He speculated that had Leonard stayed, the Raptors' core could have won "at least two more championships."
The Unravelling of a Dynasty and Business Realities
VanVleet, now the president of the National Basketball Players Association, also provided insight into the franchise's decision-making after the championship. He suggested the impending sale of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment—with Rogers acquiring Bell's stake—played a significant and under-reported role in the team's reluctance to offer massive new deals to him, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby.
"Blank cheques aren't being written while in the process of teams being sold," VanVleet noted, displaying his sharp business acumen. He described a situation that was "unravelling" and, as the point guard, felt it was his job to "take the blame," which he did from segments of the fanbase.
VanVleet also reflected on the changing dynamics among Raptors supporters, many of whom joined during the championship run. "Whatever happened to just loving the team?" he pondered, noting how fan allegiances often shift to individual players.
Currently recovering from a torn ACL and hosting his own podcast Unguarded, VanVleet hasn't closed the door on returning to play for the Rockets this season. He concluded the interview by paying tribute to his mentor, Kyle Lowry, stating the Raptors legend "needs his jersey retired, a statue, whatever."
