Kawhi, PG discussed joining forces at Drake's California home
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George shook the entire NBA landscape overnight when they joined forces on the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason.
But ironically, the Toronto Raptors' own global ambassador, Drake, had indirectly played a role when he allowed the reigning Finals MVP to stay at his California home during last summer's free-agency period.
Leonard and George met twice at the Toronto rapper's residence to discuss their plan to team up. The meetings followed a series of text messages and phone calls, which originally escalated from a congratulatory phone call after the Raptors won their first NBA championship.
"That's how it started," George told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. "Then it took on a life of its own."
By July 1st, Leonard and George put the wheels in motion. The former Raptors forward told the Clippers he'd be interested in playing for them if they added a player of George's stature. The following day, George's agent informed Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti of his client's trade request, with George preferring to play alongside Leonard.
As Presti engaged in conversations with the Clippers and Raptors, Leonard and George kept in touch. The two met for a third time at Drake's home after Leonard returned from his meeting with the Raptors in Toronto, sources told Shelburne.
The Clippers ultimately agreed to a blockbuster deal with the Thunder, dealing rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, veteran forward Danilo Gallinari, and five future first-round draft picks in exchange for George.
L.A. currently sits fourth in the West with a 28-13 record.