Raptors star Kawhi Leonard says he's taken quite a liking to Toronto

Fans have a lot to look forward to this season with Kawhi Leonard back in a Toronto Raptors uniform.

But fans aren't the only ones who appear to be excited. The 35-year-old, seven-time All-Star says he's happy to be back in a city he's taken quite a liking to.

In the latest episode of the Raptors documentary series Open Gym, cameras go behind the scenes as GM Bobby Webster welcomes Leonard back to Toronto following the recent trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The episode shows Leonard's first moments touching down in the city, checking out the locker room, and meeting with head coach Darko Rajaković.

Kawhi even explained why he wanted to come back.

"The city took a liking to my family; I took a liking to the city," Leonard said.

"Hopefully they embrace me back."

The comments are a long way from what the two-time NBA Finals MVP thought about Toronto when he was first traded here from the San Antonio Spurs for Demar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl in July 2018.

Leonard wanted out of San Antonio, but Toronto wasn't on his preferred list of destinations.

But the city welcomed Kawhi with open arms, and even launched a free-food-for-life initiative in an attempt to convince him to stay after he led Toronto to its first championship in franchise history.

Leonard ended up leaving Toronto and signed a three-year, $103 million max deal with the Clippers, only to now find his way back to his former home seven years later.

Dan Hamilton/Imagn Images

Toronto now has Leonard under contract for one more year on his three-year, $150 million deal, and it's rumoured he could sign a veteran max extension with the team sometime in the near future.

For now, though, Leonard says his focus is on winning another championship.

"I'm ready to give it my all again, and hopefully we make something special happen once again."