That’s the report from reliable NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Leonard made his trade from the San Antonio Spurs the Toronto Raptors official earlier today after completing his physical.
That sees the two-time All-Star traded to the Raptors along with Danny Green in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, big man Jakob Poeltl and a 2019 protected first-round draft pick.
Leonard only played nine games last season after an injury to his right quadriceps and forced his way out of San Antonio after feeling aggrieved with the way the Spurs dealt with his fitness problems.
The 27-year-old was expected to be in attendance at the USA national team minicamp with a total of 35 NBA players invited as members of the roster for Team USA for 2018 until 2020.
Before joining Toronto, it was expected Leonard could use the camp to demonstrate his fitness levels to prospective new teams having not played since January 13.
But with the likes of LeBron James and Stephen Curry expected to miss out, Leonard has also reportedly decided not to join up with his compatriots in order to help adjust to his new surroundings in Canada.
ESPN reporter Haynes tweeted: “Toronto forward Kawhi Leonard will not attend USA Basketball minicamp in Las Vegas this week, league sources tell ESPN. He will use time to prepare for transition to new team.”
Team USA’s basketball camp will be taken by Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.
Leonard also backed out of playing for Team USA back in 2014, declaring that he required rest.
The two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year has been a regular topic of conversation around the league following a toxic fallout with the Spurs.
Leonard had longed for a switch to his hometown of Los Angeles with the Lakers favourites to land him.
But LA were unwilling to submit to the Spurs’ trade demands given that Leonard can enter free agency next summer, where the Lakers would be favourites to land the 2014 Finals MVP without giving up any assets or picks.
It is widely expected that Leonard will do exactly that in an attempt to move to LA rather than re-sign in Toronto.