Kawhi Leonard is reportedly set to return to the Toronto Raptors after the Los Angeles Clippers opted to trade the 35-year-old forward. The move would see Leonard, who is owed $50 million in the final year of his current contract, rejoin the team he led to an NBA title in 2019. Reports indicate that the Raptors are planning to engage in discussions with Leonard regarding a two-year contract extension.
In exchange for Leonard, the Clippers are expected to receive Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick. Additionally, the Clippers will reportedly acquire several draft picks: first-round selections in 2031 and 2033, second-round picks in 2030 and 2033, and a first-round pick swap in 2027. The trade may not become official until July 6, unless the Raptors make further moves to clear salary-cap space.
Leonard’s Impact and Clippers Tenure
Leonard’s previous stint with the Raptors in 2019 marked the franchise’s only championship since its establishment in 1995. During that season, he averaged 26.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, earning NBA Finals MVP honors for the second time in his career. He also secured a title with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014, where he spent his first seven seasons after being selected as the No. 15 overall pick in 2011.
The trade brings an end to Leonard’s time in Los Angeles with the Clippers, a period that did not result in a championship for the team. Leonard joined the Clippers ahead of the 2019-20 NBA season with the goal of elevating the team into a championship contender. Alongside Paul George, he led the Clippers on two deep playoff runs in their initial two years. However, Leonard missed the entire 2021-22 season due to an ACL injury.
Upon his return, Leonard guided the Clippers to the playoffs for the subsequent three seasons, though they were eliminated in the first round each time. Last season, despite Leonard averaging a career-high 27.9 points per game and receiving MVP votes, the Clippers, with a 42-40 record, failed to reach the postseason, being eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament.
Over his six seasons with the Clippers, Leonard averaged 25.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He was named to four All-Star teams and received MVP votes three times, though he never finished higher than fifth in the voting. The Clippers’ decision to trade Leonard is reportedly influenced by his age and the team’s recent performance, prompting a rebuild.
Trade Details and Player Profiles
The incoming players for the Clippers, Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick, bring recent performance to the team. Ingram averaged 21.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season, earning his second career All-Star nod in his first season with the Raptors. Dick, selected by the Raptors in 2023, averaged six points and 1.9 rebounds last season.
The Raptors finished last season with a 46-36 record, making the playoffs for the first time since 2022, where they were eliminated in the first round. The reported trade helps the Clippers in their rebuilding efforts, particularly as they do not control their own first-round picks in 2027, 2028, or 2029. The Clippers’ roster is now reportedly centered around No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler, with veterans Darius Garland and Ingram.
The NBA is currently investigating the Clippers regarding allegations of circumventing the salary cap when Leonard initially signed in 2019. This investigation, combined with Leonard’s contract situation, could place any new contract he signs under scrutiny until the league concludes its inquiry. The official signing period for free agency deals begins on Monday, July 6, at 12:01 p.m. ET.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
