Toronto Raptors acquire Kawhi Leonard in trade with Los Angeles Clippers

By Liam Tremblay — 2 July 2026 — 4 min read

Kawhi Leonard is set to return to the Toronto Raptors after a trade deal was finalized with the Los Angeles Clippers. This move reunites Leonard with the team he led to their first NBA championship in 2019, marking a significant moment for the Toronto franchise.

The Raptors have reportedly sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round draft picks, two second-round picks, and a pick swap to the Clippers in exchange for Leonard. The first-round picks are scheduled for 2031 and 2033, while the pick swap is for next summer’s draft. This package represents a substantial investment by the Raptors to bring back the seven-time All-Star.

Leonard, who recently turned 35, is coming off a career-high scoring season, averaging 27.9 points over 65 games with the Clippers. He is a two-time NBA champion, having also won a title with San Antonio in 2014, and is widely recognized for his defensive prowess.

Leonard’s Impact and Return to Toronto

Leonard’s initial tenure in Toronto, though brief, was impactful, culminating in the team’s lone championship. His departure seven years ago, 18 days after the championship parade, was not entirely unexpected by the organization, despite some disappointment regarding the negotiation process.

During his time with the Clippers, Leonard faced various challenges, including injuries and controversies. The NBA is currently investigating an endorsement deal Leonard had with a California-based sustainability services company, Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC, to determine if it circumvented league salary cap rules. The Raptors’ decision to proceed with the trade suggests they are not concerned about the ongoing probe.

Reports indicated that with one year remaining on his contract, the Clippers were unwilling to offer Leonard an extension, leading to speculation about his future. Toronto reportedly emerged as his preferred destination, with some sources suggesting it was the only team he would agree to sign with long-term.

The price for Leonard’s return is considered significant, especially when compared to his initial acquisition in 2018 from San Antonio, which involved DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a single protected first-round pick. At that time, Leonard was 27 and coming off an injury-plagued season, creating uncertainty about his health and willingness to stay beyond his contract.

This time, the Raptors appear to have more certainty, with Leonard expected to sign a maximum two-year extension valued at $123.7 million, keeping him under contract through the 2028-29 campaign. Bobby Webster, a key figure in Leonard’s initial arrival, has made a bold move as a lead executive, gambling on a player with a history of injuries.

Raptors’ Strategic Play and Future Outlook

The Raptors’ strategy with this trade is to maximize their competitiveness in the coming years with Leonard, while also planning for a future beyond his tenure. The hope is that Leonard can play between 50 and 60 games per season and be prepared for the playoffs, which could position the team as an immediate contender in the Eastern Conference.

Leonard is expected to integrate smoothly into the current Raptors squad. He will join Scottie Barnes, an All-NBA defender, and potentially Collin Murray-Boyles, enhancing the team’s defensive capabilities. His presence is also anticipated to alleviate pressure on primary creators like Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. RJ Barrett is also expected to take on a more prominent offensive role, particularly during Leonard’s rest days.

The team’s young core, under head coach Darko Rajakovic, won 46 games last season and demonstrated a strong competitive spirit in a seven-game series against Cleveland. This performance is believed to have made the situation in Toronto more appealing for Leonard.

The Raptors organization has a history of effectively managing Leonard’s health and ensuring his readiness for playoff runs, a blueprint they are familiar with. The team’s medical staff, led by Alex McKechnie, is highly regarded, and Leonard reportedly trusts McKechnie’s expertise.

Beyond the basketball aspects, Leonard’s voluntary return carries symbolic weight for the Raptors and their fanbase. For a franchise that has historically struggled to attract star free agents, this move signifies a shift, with a superstar reportedly expressing a desire to play in Toronto for the remainder of his career. This trade is part of a series of significant deals this summer, including Giannis Antetokounmpo moving to Miami and Ja Morant to Portland.

The trade for Kawhi Leonard has not yet received the required league approval.

Source: cbsnews.com