‘Kawhi Watch’ reaches new level as NBA world awaits Leonard decision

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard hoists the MVP trophy next to teammates during the team’s NBA basketball championship parade in Toronto, Monday, June 17, 2019. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)

“Kawhi Watch” is reaching new levels now.

A private plane owned by the group that operates the Toronto Raptors landed Wednesday afternoon at Pearson International Airport in Toronto — and video footage suggests that Kawhi Leonard was one of the passengers on that plane.

The plane’s occupants boarded SUVs on the tarmac and were driven toward downtown Toronto, with at least one news helicopter airing their trip live even though it was not confirmed that Leonard was indeed in one of those vehicles.

People gather outside Toronto’s Hazelton Hotel on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. A large crowd was forming outside the posh downtown hotel where Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri had been spotted earlier in the day, with the assumption being that the hotel is where a meeting between Kawhi Leonard and the team may be taking place. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Meanwhile, a large crowd was forming outside a posh downtown hotel where Raptors President Masai Ujiri had been spotted earlier in the day, with the assumption being that the hotel is where the meeting between Leonard and the team may be taking place.

Leonard is the top free agent whose decision about where to play next season remains unknown.