It's no secret that newly-traded Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard wants to play in Los Angeles.

It was previously reported that the Lakers were the player's top choice. However, according to more recent report, the Clippers are actually the ones leading the race for the small forward's signature in next year's free agency.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, who quotes league sources, Los Angeles' other NBA team will have the requisite wherewithal to house Leonard next summer and are now the favorites to land the superstar performer.

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"The Clippers have two max contract slots available in July," Wojnarowski wrote. "They are emerging as a front-runner for Kawhi Leonard when Toronto's All-NBA forward becomes a free agent in July, league sources said."

Leonard was shipped off to Toronto by the San Antonio Spurs in a trade for star guard DeMar DeRozan in July after a publicized falling out with the Texas organization. It was his intention to head to L.A. after requesting a trade during the summer, but the Spurs went against his wishes and sent him to Canada instead.

The 27-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent next year, when he could either re-sign with Toronto or head elsewhere.

The Raptors seem pretty confident they'll be able to keep the star in next year's free agency. But team president Masai Ujiri has declared that the Raptors won't do anything different despite their desire to have Leonard stay put.

“There is nothing we are going to do different,” he said “We are going to be ourselves.

“I think he’s already gotten to know the city a little bit, he’s been back a couple times and I think it feels like everybody in Toronto is a family member is maybe the best way I can say it.

“There’s something about this place that I think brings people together. He’s going to love the fans, he’s just going to love atmosphere I think. And hopefully love to play. Basketball I think is going to be important.”

It is also being reported that the Clippers could also land Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler following the player's request for a trade this week.

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