Kawhi Leonard: Toronto Raptors star’s trade decision will come down to THIS

Leonard penned a one-year contract with the Raptors this summer in a blockbuster trade which saw DeMar DeRozan head to San Antonio Spurs.

The small forward has made a bright start for his new team as they extended their record to 7-1 with a 129-112 victory at home to Philadelphia 76ers last night.

Leonard top-scored with 31 points to keep is side second in the Eastern Conference table.

And McHale reckons the 2014 Championship winner could decide to commit to the Raptors long term.

“It is funny because Kyle Lowry doesn’t answer any phonecalls from the team because he is really upset [about DeRozan’s exit],” McHale told NBA TV.

“[But now] he is calling up DeMar and saying ‘This guy we have got can really play’.

“He is special. I think everything is just set up for him. If they win enough then it has hard to leave places where you’re winning.”

Fellow pundit Jason Terry also believes Leonard in a good fit in Toronto.

“When there is that much noise and that much crap going on around you, just playing basketball is fun,” he said.

“When you step on that floor all that stuff goes away. I just think he is happy to be playing basketball.

“I like the fit, I think the team is constructive around him.

“They have the right piece and he is going to have success.”

Meanwhile, Leonard was delighted with the way his team performed against the 76ers.

“It’s been great. Like I said before, everybody has been great,” Leonard said.

“They have made me comfortable and trying to get me into good spots on the floor. They want me to be me out there on the court.”