The Toronto Raptors are reportedly close to acquiring Kawhi Leonard in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. Sources indicate that Leonard is expected to return to Toronto, a team he previously led to an NBA championship.
According to reports, the Clippers have agreed to send Leonard to the Raptors. In exchange, the Clippers would receive forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, first-round draft picks in 2031 and 2033, second-round picks in 2030 and 2033, and the rights to a first-round pick swap in 2027.
Leonard’s Potential Return to Toronto
Leonard’s current contract is set to conclude after the 2026-27 season. Previously, it was reported that the Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs were the only teams Leonard would consider for a long-term deal if he were traded. He is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Raptors for a maximum of two years and $124 million.
Leonard’s previous tenure with Toronto in 2018-19 saw him lead the franchise to its first and only NBA championship. This history suggests a potential for a significant reunion for both the player and the team.
Following the conclusion of the NBA Finals, Leonard became eligible for a two-year contract extension worth up to $126.1 million. Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank had expressed the team’s desire to retain the 35-year-old player as a central figure for the franchise.
Frank had stated, “Our plan is to win with Kawhi.” He also mentioned the organization’s commitment to winning and their intention to discuss future plans with Leonard, similar to discussions held in 2024. However, it appears that their objectives did not align, leading to the Clippers’ decision to trade their star player.
Clippers’ Roster Changes and Future Outlook
The Clippers concluded their recent season with a 42-40 record. Prior to this, they traded star guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers, which placed Leonard as the primary offensive focus. Leonard responded with his best offensive season, achieving a career-high average of 27.9 points, along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals across 65 games.
The Clippers also secured the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NBA draft, which they used to select Illinois combo guard Keaton Wagler. This pick was acquired as part of an in-season trade with the Indiana Pacers for veteran center Ivica Zubac. The pick would have remained with the Pacers if it had fallen within the top four.
With Leonard’s reported departure, Wagler is expected to play a key role in the Clippers’ future. Leonard is set to join a Raptors squad that finished last season with a 46-36 record before being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. The two-time NBA champion is anticipated to be motivated to pursue a third title with Toronto in the upcoming season and beyond.
Raptors’ Strategic Approach
The Raptors have indicated a desire to be “opportunistic” in the trade market. Their focus extends beyond immediate needs like point guard and center, suggesting a broader strategy that includes looking to their past successes.
This potential reunion with Leonard aligns with the Raptors’ reported interest in revisiting past connections, hinting at a nostalgic element in their trade market approach. The team’s strategic moves are being closely watched following other significant trades in the league.
The reported trade marks a significant shift for both franchises, with the Raptors potentially regaining a key player from their championship-winning era and the Clippers embarking on a new chapter with their recent draft pick. Leonard’s eligibility for a contract extension with the Raptors could lead to a long-term commitment.
The 2026-27 season is the final year of Leonard’s current deal.
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Source: bleacherreport.com
