Fred VanVleet reveals that Kawhi Leonard never lived in Toronto

Fred VanVleet had a startling truth to uncover Kawhi Leonard was with the Toronto Raptors.

VanVleet was teammates with Leonard for just one season during the 2018-19 NBA season. They teamed up after the big trade between the Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs that included Leonard and DeMar DeRozan.

Toronto made a big move, moving away from their franchise star after years of playoff disappointment. Their decision was successful, they finally reached the top of the mountain after defeating the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals and winning their first ever title.

Despite that incredible achievement, Leonard decided to leave Toronto after one season and take his talents to the Los Angeles Clippers. VanVleet he remembered his time with Leonard during that stretch, saying the forward never committed to staying with the Raptors.

“He (Kawhi) said that from day one … I’m not staying here. From day one, (he said) ‘I don’t know why they traded for me. I don’t want to be here. I’m not staying here,'” VanVleet said on the “Hello and Welcome” podcast.

“Toronto made the best offer. The city caved like we’ve never seen before… But he made up his mind. Kawhi is Kawhi. I’m eternally grateful to him for helping us win a championship and getting us to a point where I could solidify and continue to make a ton of money. We’re forever indebted to him just because of the people we’ve changed.” lives.”

Fred VanVleet reveals Kawhi Leonard HAD NO INTENTIONS on staying in Toronto 😅

“I don’t know why they traded for me (Kawhi Leonard). I don’t want to be here. I’m not staying here.”

(via @hellowelcomepod)
pic.twitter.com/UUhE1EbUKI

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 15, 2025

How Fred VanVleet, Kawhi Leonard Fared in Raptors’ 2019 Season

It’s the brutal truth that Fred VanVleet reveals to Raptors fans about Kawhi Leonard’s mindset at the time. Despite that, at least they can celebrate that championship for a long time in 2019.

Both players are no longer with the Raptors. Leonard remained with the Clippers through 2019, while VanVleet left Toronto for the Houston Rockets in 2024.

They played key roles during the Raptors’ 2019 campaign. Toronto finished 58-24, securing second place in the Eastern Conference standings. They stood out as one of the best teams on both sides of the ball, especially with a talented roster.

Toronto has been great during the playoffs. They defeated Orlando, Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Golden State to make history en route to their first title in franchise history. The Raptors will hope to reach those heights again in the future, but until then, they will cement that championship through the city’s sports history.