BREAKING: Kawhi Leonard Returning to Toronto Raptors

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A busy pre-free agency period continues as another superstar has been traded in the 2026 offseason. After playing just one season for the Toronto Raptors and leading them to the 2019 NBA Championship, Kawhi Leonard is headed north of the border once more. Reported by Shams Charania, the trade goes as follows:

Toronto Raptors Receive:

Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles Clippers Receive:

Brandon Ingram
Gradey Dick
Two first-round picks
Two second-round picks

Leonard would have one of his best seasons in recent memory, but at the same time, it would be clouded in controversy. In 65 games, Leonard would average a career-high 27.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 3.6 APG on shooting splits of 50% from the field, 38% from three, and 89% from the line. Off the court, the biggest controversy would be the ongoing Aspiration scandal that accused the Los Angeles Clippers of circumventing the salary cap to pay Leonard under the table. While many expected the NBA to complete an investigation by now, there has been no punishment handed down by the league, almost a year after the first reports of the controversy came to light.

Like in 2018, Leonard goes to the Raptors on the last year of his deal, set to make $50 million, before becoming a free agent in the summer of 2027. Leonard would draw interest from several teams following his career year, with Miami, Detroit, Minnesota, San Antonio, and Golden State, with reports saying Leonard would only be willing to sign an extension with San Antonio and Toronto.

Leonard joins a promising Raptors squad that surprised many last season, finishing as the fifth seed with a 46-36 record. They would lose in seven games to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. Scottie Barnes would have another tremendous year playing 80 games while averaging over 18 PPG, while RJ Barrett would average another 19 PPG. Guard Immanuel Quickely would finish with over 16 PPG in 70 games this season.

In an Eastern Conference with a lot of moving names and questions, Toronto has the chance to shake up the standings once more, just like they did in 2018. In 60 games in the 2018-19 season, Leonard would average 26.6 PPG and 7.3 RPG, leading the Raptors past the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Golden State Warriors to bring the Raptors their first and only NBA Championship. He would win his second finals MVP as well.

For the Los Angeles Clippers, the team fully embraces a retool after moving on from James Harden and Ivica Zubac ahead of the 2026 deadline. The Clippers get a former All-Star in Brandon Ingram, who would play the most games since his rookie season. In 77 games with Toronto, Ingram would average 21.5 PPG nd 5.6 RPG. Ingram will make $40 million next season and has a $41 million player option for the 2027-28 season. L.A. also receives a young guard in Gradey Dick. The Clippers also get multiple picks for the Raptors’ potential one-year rental of Leonard, receiving two firsts and two seconds. For Los Angeles, those picks could be very valuable down the road, given the recent changes to the draft lottery.

While everyone is still waiting on the results of the NBA’s investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi has moved on from the Clippers and returns to the place that saw him have one of his greatest years in the league. For the Clippers, they fully embrace a new era, focusing on younger talent and moving on from their expensive, veteran-heavy rosters.