General manager Bobby Webster says the Toronto Raptors were always confident their deal for forward Kawhi Leonard would go through.
Toronto acquired Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers in June, but the deal wasn't finalized until earlier this month after the NBA investigated Leonard and the Clippers for salary cap circumvention.
On Wednesday, Leonard signed a two-year extension with Toronto, returning to the franchise he helped win its only NBA title in 2019.
Webster told reporters Thursday the Raptors were satisfied with their due diligence during the process and believed the deal would eventually come to pass.
Leonard, 35, averaged 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.4 blocks per game last season for the Clippers.
Leonard has averaged 20.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.7 steals, and 31.8 minutes over 14 NBA seasons with the San Antonio Spurs (2011-18), Toronto (2018-19) and the Clippers (2019-26).
_**WATCH | Raptors' RJ Barrett discusses opportunity to play with Leonard:**_
Canadian basketball star RJ Barrett joins Donnovan Bennett to discuss the recent federal & provincial investment into Canada Basketball, a senior program he's been part of for close to a decade. The NBA season is on the horizon for the Toronto Raptor, and that includes new teammate Kawhi Leonard. As well, the young star is committed to the national team two years out from LA 2028.