Kawhi Leonard Traded Back to Toronto Raptors

The Los Angeles Clippers are finalising a blockbuster trade that will send seven‑year veteran Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. In exchange, Toronto will deliver forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two first‑round picks, a pick‑swap and two second‑round picks. Leonard, 35, is entering the final year of his $149 million contract after posting a career‑high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game in the 2025‑26 season.

The move ends Leonard’s seven‑year stint in Los Angeles, a period marked by injuries and an ongoing NBA investigation into a $28 million “no‑show” endorsement deal with the now‑bankrupt company Aspiration that allegedly circumvented the salary cap. The league has yet to issue a ruling, and the Clippers may face fines or draft‑pick penalties, while Leonard’s personal sanction remains uncertain.

For Toronto, the acquisition revives the player who delivered the franchise’s 2019 championship and has already shifted futures markets – sportsbooks have cut the Raptors’ NBA‑title odds from as long as 100‑1 to about 25‑1. The team hopes Leonard will sign an extension and finish his career in Canada. The Clippers, meanwhile, gain cap flexibility and draft assets to accelerate a rebuild centered on younger talent.