Kawhi Leonard is heading back to the city where he once delivered a championship. The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to send the two time Finals MVP to the Toronto Raptors, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, closing a stunning chapter in franchise history for both sides.
Kawhi Leonard Trade Details Take Shape
The Raptors are sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first round picks in 2031 and 2033, second round picks in 2030 and 2033, and a 2027 first round pick swap to Los Angeles. In exchange, Toronto lands the 35 year old forward with just one season left on his contract at $50.3 million.
Leonard’s camp made it clear he would only sign a long term extension with the Raptors, and reports indicate a two year deal worth up to $126.1 million could follow. That commitment pushed the Clippers toward a deal rather than risk losing their franchise cornerstone for nothing in 2027.
This is not Leonard’s first rodeo in Toronto. He arrived from the Spurs in 2018 and needed just one season to deliver the franchise’s first title, beating the Magic, 76ers, and Bucks before toppling the Warriors in the Finals. He averaged 28.5 points across that series and walked away with Finals MVP honors.
Leonard’s blend of size, footwork, and defensive instincts earned him the nickname “the Claw” early in his career, along with two Defensive Player of the Year awards. However, injuries limited his availability during six seasons with the Clippers, even as he still posted a career high 27.9 points per game last season.
For the Raptors, this trade signals real ambition after finishing 40-36 and bowing out in the first round last year. Ingram immediately becomes a focal scoring option in Los Angeles, while Toronto bets on Leonard rediscovering his 2019 magic.
Training camp will reveal plenty, yet one thing is already certain. The Raptors are all in on winning now.
