Leonard returns to Toronto
The Toronto Raptors have reportedly reacquired Kawhi Leonard in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. This move brings the former Finals MVP back to Toronto seven years after he departed in free agency. The trade package sent to the Clippers is said to be headlined by Brandon Ingram.
According to reports, the Raptors are sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-round picks to the Clippers. Leonard’s return to Toronto follows indications that he would only sign a contract extension with the Raptors, making a trade to the team appear inevitable.
Leonard first joined the Raptors in 2018 through a trade with the San Antonio Spurs. He is currently on an expiring contract, but there are plans for him to remain with the Raptors beyond the 2026-27 season. Despite being 35 years old, Leonard is coming off a strong offensive season, where he averaged 27.9 points per game in 65 appearances for the Clippers.
This past season marked only the second time Leonard played in 60 or more games during his tenure with the Clippers. His defensive capabilities remain notable, with an average of 1.9 steals per game. His defensive presence, alongside Scottie Barnes, is expected to make the Raptors a formidable defensive team, potentially causing problems for opposing teams next season.
Impact on the Raptors roster
While Leonard is an exceptional player, the Raptors’ team is still considered to be built around Scottie Barnes. Leonard’s veteran experience is anticipated to be a significant asset, supporting Barnes’ development. The move is seen as a way to build around Barnes for the prime of his career.
Leonard is still capable of playing at a superstar level, but the Raptors reportedly view him as an equal to Barnes rather than a superior option. Barnes, who is 10 years younger than Leonard, is also coming off the best season of his career. The addition of Leonard is expected to make the Raptors a dangerous team for the next two to three seasons.
The trade involved giving up Brandon Ingram, which was considered a necessary move for the Raptors to secure Leonard. While Ingram had a productive year for the Raptors, the opportunity to acquire Leonard was a priority. A key aspect of the trade negotiations was the Raptors’ reported refusal to include Collin Murray-Boyles in the package.
Murray-Boyles, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, showed potential as a long-term piece for the Raptors, particularly during their playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Retaining Murray-Boyles as a complementary player for Barnes and Leonard is seen as providing the Raptors with a strong foundation to contend in the Eastern Conference for the upcoming season.
Free agency developments
Amidst the trade discussions for Leonard, other free agency movements have been reported across the league. Jock Landale is set to return to the Atlanta Hawks on a one-year, $14 million deal. LeBron James is entering free agency and is expected to sign with a new team outside the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Portland Trail Blazers have signed Robert Williams III to a three-year, $44 million contract extension. Simone Fontecchio intends to sign a new one-year deal to return to the Miami Heat, while Kristaps Porzingis signed a two-year contract worth $40 million to return to the Warriors. Harrison Barnes intends to sign a one-year, $8 million deal to remain with the Spurs.
Kevin Huerter intends to sign a three-year, $27 million deal to return to the Detroit Pistons, and Jusuf Nurkic intends to sign a two-year, $22 million deal to return to the Jazz. Julian Champagnie intends to sign a new three-year, $45 million deal to stay with the Spurs. The OKC Thunder picked up Lu Dort’s $17.7 million team option for 2026-27.
Landry Shamet intends to sign a new four-year, $24 million deal to return to the New York Knicks. The Hawks declined Jonathan Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option, making him a free agent. The Portland Trail Blazers traded for Ja Morant, sending Khris Murray and Jerian Grant to Memphis. The Sacramento Kings traded Devin Carter and a future second-round pick to the Hawks, and Bradley Beal declined his $5.6 million player option for next season, making him a UFA.
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Source: si.com
Ethan Brule is a Senior Hockey Writer at CasinoNews. He covered the NHL for a national Canadian outlet. He focuses on the NHL, the Maple Leafs and Team Canada and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Media from Toronto Metropolitan University. Now based in Toronto, he plays beer-league hockey and follows the junior ranks. “Hockey in Canada is never only about the score.”
