NBA Swing: Kawhi to Raptors? Kuminga opts out, Wiggins and Champagnie Extended

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Today is moving day, as we are now officially in NBA Free Agency. Players will find new places to play, and teams have been wheeling and dealing, getting ready to make the move that could change the fortunes of their franchises. Players are already signing new deals, and the trade rumors are at their peak.

The Boardroom Return: Kawhi Leonard Back to Toronto?

Hold onto your parkas, Raptors fans. According to league insiders, the LA Clippers and Toronto Raptors are actively engaged in serious trade talks regarding Kawhi Leonard. With only one year and $50.3 million left on his contract—and the Clippers hesitant to commit to a long-term extension—Kawhi is reportedly open to a reunion in the North.

Do you think bringing Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto is a good idea for the Raptors? pic.twitter.com/gD0oLe6jKq

— JayOnSC (@JayOnSC) June 30, 2026

What This Means for the Raptors’ Playoff Chances

Last season, the Raptors were a gritty but limited squad, finishing 40-36 and bowing out in a grueling seven-game, first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They have won exactly one playoff series since Kawhi walked away in 2019.

The Ceiling: If this trade goes through and Kawhi stays upright, Toronto immediately vaults from a borderline playoff team to a legitimate top-four threat in the Eastern Conference. His playoff pedigree is undeniable, and his presence spaces the floor, giving Toronto a closing superstar they desperately lacked last April.

The Risk: At this point in his career, Kawhi’s injury status is practically a permanent “day-to-day.” Trading away assets and potentially signing him to a projected two-year, $123.7 million extension is a massive, high-stakes gamble. If he sits, the Raptors’ depth is gutted for nothing. If he plays, the East has a major problem.

Option Declined: The Jonathan Kuminga Sweepstakes are Open

There was a bit of initial confusion over who held the cards here, but to clarify: it wasn’t Jonathan Kuminga walking away—the Atlanta Hawks officially declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option for the 2026–27 season.

Atlanta picked up Kuminga from Golden State at the trade deadline in the Kristaps Porzingis deal, viewing him as a low-risk flyer. However, committing over $24 million for a single season on a crowded forward line was too rich for their blood.

Where does he go now? Kuminga is an unrestricted free agent at just 23 years old. While Atlanta might try to bring him back on a longer, cheaper deal, keep a very close eye on the Sacramento Kings. The Kings have long coveted Kuminga’s athleticism and are expected to aggressively pursue him on the open market.

South Beach Lock-In: Andrew Wiggins Extends with the Heat

All-Star Andrew Wiggins just locked down his future in Miami.

Wiggins officially opted into his $30.2 million player option for this upcoming season, but followed it up by signing a three-year, $64 million contract extension with the Heat.

The Strategy: By structure, this keeps his short-term salary hit high for this year but secures him at a very reasonable, flatter rate (around $16–17 million annually) for the following seasons.

The Fit: This is huge for Miami. Wiggins had a solid campaign last year, averaging 15.4 points and shooting over 41% from deep. Locking him in gives the Heat a premier, switchable 3-and-D wing to slot perfectly alongside Bam Adebayo and Miami’s blockbuster acquisition, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Happy Birthday, Julian: Champagnie Secures the Bag in San Antonio

Talk about a great 25th birthday present. The San Antonio Spurs declined Julian Champagnie’s cheap $3 million team option, but don’t worry—it wasn’t a rejection. It was a reward.

Champagnie is returning to the Spurs on a three-year, $45 million contract after a breakout season where he proved to be the ultimate unsung hero for the Western Conference Champions.

Why the Spurs Paid Up:

Champagnie completely transformed the Spurs’ perimeter spacing, setting a franchise record with 195 three-pointers in a single season (including an 11-three masterpiece on New Year’s Eve). He played in all 82 regular-season games and started all 23 postseason games during the Spurs’ thrilling run to the NBA Finals against the Knicks.

He’s a reliable 38% shooter from deep who plays relentless team defense. He is exactly the kind of piece Mitch Johnson wants to keep around long-term. San Antonio’s young core remains intact and dangerous.