NBA Trades & Free Agency: 4 Surprising Moves of the 2019 offseason

#3 Kawhi not signing with a team on Day 1 of free agency

Kawhi Leonard

Probably the most anticipated free agent this year was NBA Finals MVP and Champion Kawhi Leonard, who was traded to the Toronto Raptors last year. The decision supposedly came down to the Lakers, Clippers, and Raptors. It was still unclear who he was leaning towards, but most initially had believed that Leonard would resign with the Raptors.

Before the start of free agency, the rumors were that he wanted to pair up with another star player, whether it be KD or Butler. With both of them on different teams and pairing up with other stars, Kawhi could choose to go to the Clippers or Raptors.

The Lakers did have the cap space to sign another max contract so they weren't ruled either. But in the end, Kawhi signed with the Clippers on a 3-year deal. But the twist came right after he signed with the Clippers, a move no executive, no source could have imagined.