NBA fans were stunned after a story from Kawhi Leonard’s lone season in Toronto resurfaced, this time straight from former teammate Fred VanVleet.
Speaking on the “Hellow and Welcome” podcast, VanVleet opened up about Leonard’s mindset when he first arrived with the Raptors — and it was clear Kawhi never planned on sticking around.
“I don’t know why they traded for me. I don’t want to be here. I’m not staying here,” VanVleet recalled from Kawhi’s arrival.
I’m not a fan of Stephen A, but his take that Kawhi is one of the worst Superstars you could have for your franchise is looking more and more true as time goes on.
— josh⚡️ (@JoshUntucked) December 15, 2025
That quote instantly set off debate online about what kind of teammate Leonard really is. Some fans saw it as proof of a long-running criticism, while others leaned into the results.
@JoshUntucked echoed a familiar media take: “I’m not a fan of Stephen A, but his take that Kawhi is one of the worst Superstars you could have for your franchise is looking more and more true as time goes on.”
Others pushed back, pointing out that Leonard’s no-strings approach still delivered a title.
@AltVaulz framed it differently: “‘I’m here to work, not to stay’ and then he dropped 30, hit that shot, won Finals MVP, and dipped. Legendary behavior.”
@37DSW37 summed it up in one line: “Most Kawhi quote ever. Zero attachment, maximum results.”
Leonard’s Raptors stint lasted just one season, but it ended with Toronto’s first championship and his second Finals MVP. He didn’t say much, didn’t promise anything — he just handled business.
“Am I really agreeing with Perk?”: NBA fans side with Kendrick Perkins on his Kawhi Leonard take
Fast forward to 2025, and the conversation around Kawhi has shifted again, this time with the Clippers still searching for postseason success.
That’s where Kendrick Perkins entered the chat.
“Kawhi Leonard is one of the worst FA signings in NBA history,” Perkins said on the Road Trippin show. “He has set the Clippers back 10-15 years.”
Wait what? Am I really agreeing with Perk Wtf pic.twitter.com/RUyN4ZZIcb
— Pistol Meat Maravich 👑 (@MorrisChestbutt) December 3, 2025
Surprisingly, plenty of fans agreed.
@MorrisChestbutt reacted in disbelief: “Wait what? Am I really agreeing with Perk Wtf.”
@DeyLuvHuggy added, “Perkins finally with a good take.”
Not everyone was on board, though. @KnicksCentral pointed elsewhere: “Trading a 100 picks and the future MVP for a washed Paul George set the clippers back 10-15 years, signing Kawhi did not.”
Leonard is still producing — averaging 25.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.1 steals — but he’s appeared in just 15 games. Whether he can steady the Clippers or not remains the biggest question hanging over LA.
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