Slam Dunk of a Deal: a Free Condo for Kawhi

With a victory over the Golden State Warriors tonight or Sunday, the Toronto Raptors will win the franchise’s first-ever N.B.A. championship. If that historic event comes to pass, it will largely be the result of the play of Raptors star Kawhi Leonard, who has the option to become a free agent this summer and take his game elsewhere. To prevent that from happening, a Toronto businessman is offering Leonard a reason to stay in town: a free penthouse condo atop one of the city’s four luxury hotels. 

“He doesn’t have to hand over even $1 and the Condo Store is here to make it happen for the betterment of the City of Toronto and the Raptors organization,” Condo Store CEO Simon Mass said in an email to The Real Deal. Mass’ brokerage will pick up all homeowners association fees and iron out a “win-win arrangement/terms so that we can build on a relationship with Kawhi.” 

Based on discussions with Raptors players he knows and does business with, Mass says Leonard is aware of the offer but is currently fully focused on winning the championship. “If I was a betting man, I’d say he will be talking to us after we win the finals,” Mass said. 

Leonard joined the Raptors last summer, after spending his entire seven-year N.B.A. career up to that point with the San Antonio Spurs. His current five-year contract is set to expire after next season, but he could choose to become a free agent this summer. The two-time N.B.A. Defensive Player of the Year has one championship ring from his time with the Spurs, after defeating the Miami Heat in the 2014 N.B.A. Finals. This is the first time the Raptors franchise has played in the league’s championship series. If they win, it will be the first time the N.B.A. championship trophy travels outside the United States.