Raptors global brand ambassador – his official title – Drake took center stage as Kawhi Leonard led Toronto to the 2019 NBA championship.

You know what happened next. Leonard became the first superstar to leave the defending champion for another team. He pushed the Clippers to trade for Paul George then also signed with them. It was a stunningly ambitious plan.

A plan partially orchestrated at Drake’s house.

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN:

There were countless text messages and phone calls and then two in-person meetings at Drake’s house in Hidden Hills, California. (Drake had befriended Leonard during his season in Toronto and let Leonard — who lives in San Diego — stay there when he was in Los Angeles for free-agent meetings.)

Drake didn’t deliver Leonard and George to the Clippers. The players communicated far more than those two sit-downs at Drake’s house. They even reportedly met in person elsewhere.

But I wonder whether Drake regrets playing even a small role in Leonard leaving Toronto.

Ultimately, I doubt it. Drake is a Raptors fan. Even more so, Drake prioritizes fame and friendship. That’s why he was having fun with the Warriors during the NBA Finals. Hosting Leonard and George furthers Drake’s main concerns.