Fred VanVleet kept it simple when asked about Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto.
The former Raptors star offered a blunt and hilarious reaction when asked about Leonard coming back to the franchise this offseason.
"I mean, listen, they didn't get worse," a smiling VanVleet told reporters during the Raptors' special retirement event for Kyle Lowry. "It didn't get worse.
"I'm excited for the city. I'm excited for the organization. It's good to see [Kawhi Leonard] back and yeah, they'll be a damn good team, especially in the East. They gonna be a tough out."
Kawhi Leonard rejoins Toronto Raptors
Kawhi Leonard is officially back with the Toronto Raptors, as the Los Angeles Clippers sent him to the North for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and several future draft assets.
The entire process took months to complete since the announcement of the trade back in June amid the NBA's investigation into the Clippers' salary cap scandal along with the superstar.
Leonard's return marks a full-circle moment between him and the franchise. He delivered a legendary single-season run in 2018-19 that spearheaded the Raptors' first-ever NBA title.
Now, he is back to guide Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Toronto's brand-new future and is expected to help the team take the next step in their title plans.
Kawhi Leonard already planned to leave Toronto after infamous Spurs trade
Fred VanVleet's latest statement about Kawhi Leonard's Toronto Raptors return can't be more interesting after what he previously said about the future Hall of Famer's instant reaction when traded to the franchise in 2018.
According to VanVleet, Leonard was completely puzzled and compelled to leave the Raptors following his shocking blockbuster trade from the San Antonio Spurs.
Since then, the rest was history. Leonard still delivered when it mattered, despite clear plans to part ways with Toronto a season later.