Raptors Rumors: Drake Starting His Own Kawhi Leonard Recruiting Campaign

If the Toronto Raptors can't convince Kawhi Leonard to stay with the organization in free agency, maybe Drake can.

According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, "the Raptors haven't backed off one centimeter" in their pursuit of Leonard, but Drake "is said to be mounting his own recruiting campaign on top of whatever the freshly minted champions are doing to convince him to stay."

The Raptors (and Drake) aren't alone their quest to land Leonard, however, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers on the prowl as well. But details of Leonard's mindset and his recruitment have been sparse, as Stein noted: 

"The Lakers, as we've been saying for more than a week now, believe they are firmly in the lead largely through the recruiting efforts and assurances made on separate fronts from Magic Johnson and LeBron James.

"Officials from both the Lakers and Clippers appear to determined to say as little as possible—less than ever for a free agent of this prominence as Ryen Russillo likes to say—to avoid upsetting Kawhi's camp when they have insisted on total silence."

Leonard's decision will dramatically alter the shape of the NBA. If he chooses the Lakers, it could create one of the most talented teams in NBA history and a true dynasty in the years to come. If he stays in Toronto, he would once again headline the favorites in the East. And if he chooses the Clippers, they have the role players in place and assets to acquire additional star power in the future to become a force.

A lot is on the line. Drake can recruit all he wants, but at the end of the day, it's either god's plan for Leonard to return to Toronto or it isn't.