Report: Kawhi Leonard returns to face Raptors in December

Circle Dec. 11 on your calendars, Toronto Raptors fans.

Kawhi Leonard will make his much-anticipated return to Toronto on that date, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

After guiding the Raptors to their first championship this past spring, Leonard decided to team up with Paul George and sign with the Los Angeles Clippers in the off-season, sending shockwaves through the entire NBA.

Leonard reestablished himself as one of the best players in the league in 2018-19, averaging career-highs in points (26.6) and rebounds (7.3) per game while also contributing elite defence. The 28-year-old kicked things up a notch in the playoffs, pouring in 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game en route to his second Finals MVP award.

So how will Raptors fans greet Board Man upon his arrival? Will the Toronto faithful shower him with love because of what he did for the franchise in his lone season north of the border, or will they hold hard feelings over his departure? Either way, the reception will surely be better than what he endured in San Antonio earlier this year.

Unfortunately for Fun Guy, the Ka’wine and Dine promotions throughout Toronto won’t be valid anymore, so he won’t be able to take advantage of the free food like he did in the past. He might be able to score a meal off former teammate and noted chef Serge Ibaka, who is looking forward to the matchup on the court.

Aside from Leonard’s return, the defending champs have another marquee matchup to look forward to in December with a Christmas Day game on the docket for the first time since 2001.

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