I don't think it's 100% that an injury faking Leonard gets a max contract (the LA teams really have no incentive to outbid anyone but each other), but beyond that doing so would invite serious legal consequences that could result in the Raptors retaining his rights anyway.

If he's unrestricted next summer I don't follow this logic.

Also, I have no idea what changes have been made to the CBA since 2002 or whatever, but wouldn't he essentially just pull a Vince Carter 2.0?

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Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

If he's hellbent on playing in LA and sits out this season there's no reason for any other team to bid on him.

Also the current CBA would allow a third party doctor's evaluation. The Spurs themselves could have pursued it last season but it would be an even more perilous situation now given his camp's declarations that he's 100% in their efforts to get the Lakers to actually make offers for him.

Sure this is. All he can do is reject it. It doesn’t tie up cap space to offer a UFA a max contract.

_________________
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

Butler on the Spurs is going to be pretty awesome.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.