'He's a magnet': Jeremy Lin says Kawhi Leonard could transform Raptors again

The last time the Toronto Raptors brought in Kawhi Leonard, Jeremy Lin experienced a team reaching the mountaintop.

Leonard arrived as the missing piece of a title contender and left as the face of the franchise's first NBA championship.

Now, as the Raptors pursue a reunion with Leonard, Lin believes the star forward could once again have a dramatic impact on the organization — even if he doesn't view Toronto as an immediate favourite in the Eastern Conference.

"It's a ripple effect," Lin said in a recent interview. "I mean, imagine that championship team without him, right? He's a magnet."

Lin was part of Toronto's 2018-19 title-winning squad, a team that combined Leonard's all-around dominance with a deep, veteran roster to deliver one of the most memorable playoff runs in NBA history.

The Raptors' proposed trade for Leonard is currently on hold while the NBA investigates allegations the Clippers circumvented the salary cap through an endorsement arrangement involving Leonard and the now-bankrupt financial technology company Aspiration. The Clippers have denied the allegations.

Raptors put blockbuster Kawhi Leonard trade on hold pending conclusion of NBA's probe

Lin said a return to Toronto would provide a fitting conclusion to the next chapter of Leonard's career.

"I hope it happens. I hope it's all clear with the investigation," said the former NBA guard, who spoke to The Canadian Press last week promoting ARC World, an annual Asian Roots Collective festival and celebrity basketball game in Markham, Ont.

"Him ending his career in Toronto would be the best ending for him."

The 35-year-old Leonard would be joining a young Raptors team led by all-star forward Scottie Barnes and a core that includes Canadian shooting