Raptors acquire Leonard in significant trade

By Liam Tremblay — 30 June 2026 — 4 min read

Raptors acquire Leonard in significant trade

The Toronto Raptors are reportedly nearing a deal to reacquire Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers. The trade, initially reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, would send Leonard to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-round picks. This move marks a significant shift for both franchises, with the Raptors aiming to elevate their competitive standing.

This potential trade echoes a previous move by the Raptors eight years ago, when they acquired Leonard in his final season before free agency. That earlier trade involved their leading scorer, DeMar DeRozan, a recent lottery pick, Jakob Poeltl, and draft capital. The current deal sees the Raptors once again trading their leading scorer, Ingram, and a recent lottery pick, Dick, for Leonard in a similar contract situation.

Leonard, a seven-time All-Star, averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game last season. His offensive capabilities are noted to have remained strong despite his age and injury history. Since returning from an ACL tear that sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 season, he has maintained a 40.5% success rate from beyond the arc. This percentage is comparable to Stephen Curry’s 40.6% over the same period. Among players with at least a 25% usage rate over the past four seasons, Leonard ranks among the top ten in true shooting percentage.

Beyond his offensive contributions, Leonard is also recognized for his defensive prowess. A two-time Defensive Player of the Year, he averaged 1.9 steals per game last season, placing him among the league’s top five in that category. His on/off differential, per Cleaning the Glass, has consistently been positive in double digits throughout his tenure with the Clippers, indicating his significant impact when on the court.

Impact on Toronto’s roster and future outlook

The acquisition of Leonard is seen as a move to address the Raptors’ need for higher-calibre offensive firepower. Last season, the team’s top four scorers—Ingram, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Immanuel Quickley—all exhibited efficiency levels around the league average. The NBA’s overall true shooting percentage last season was 58.1%, while the Raptors’ top scorers ranged from 57.3% to 58.5%. This contributed to Toronto finishing 15th in offensive rating and a 111.9 offensive rating in the first round of the postseason.

Leonard’s presence is expected to provide a meaningful upgrade over Ingram as Toronto’s primary scorer. His defensive skills, combined with those of Barnes and rising sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles, could form a formidable defensive unit.

The cost in draft capital for this trade is higher than the 2018 deal for Leonard. The previous trade involved only one first-round pick. However, the current landscape for superstar trades often includes multiple unprotected picks and swaps. Despite the increased cost, the Raptors are noted to have retained flexibility, as they held all seven of their future first-rounders before this deal, and are trading control of only three.

Clippers’ perspective and Leonard’s preference

For the Clippers, this trade signals a potential shift in their immediate competitive aspirations. While Ingram and Dick are part of the deal, the focus for Los Angeles appears to be on the draft capital acquired. Leonard, who is 34 years old, has one year remaining on his contract and has faced injury concerns, playing 52, 68, 37, and 65 games over the past four seasons.

Reports indicate that Leonard’s desire to sign an extension with Toronto, and no other team outside of Los Angeles, played a role in the trade. His familiarity with the Raptors organization, including general manager Bobby Webster, his perceived ability to contend in the Eastern Conference with Toronto, and the possibility of retiring as a Raptor were cited as key factors in his decision.

Leonard’s previous departure from Toronto seven years ago, after leading the team to its lone NBA title, left many fans wondering about what could have been. His return now, after a season where he played 65 regular-season games and was named to the All-NBA second team, raises questions about whether the Raptors can replicate their past success with him. Former NBA player and analyst Kendrick Perkins suggested that Leonard’s move to Toronto instantly makes them a title contender.

This renewed partnership aims to once again position the Raptors as a significant force in the league.

Source: tsn.ca