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Feb 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) defends in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. © Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
In June of 2018, Kawhi Leonard reportedly requested a trade from the San Antonio Spurs, reportedly preferring to join the Los Angeles Lakers. The Toronto Raptors jumped at the chance to make a deal, acquiring Leonard and Danny Green in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Pöltl, and a protected 2019 first-round draft pick.
The NBA World Reacts to the Raptors Trading for Clippers’ Star Kawhi Leonard
It was quite a risk, with Leonard set to become a free agent in 2019 and with eyes on Los Angeles. However, the risk was worth it as Leonard led the Raptors to the 2019 title. He did, of course, leave for Los Angeles after the season, but the Clippers instead.
Now, it looks like history may be repeating itself.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Raptors are close to acquiring Leonard, adding another possible twist to the story.
Charania writes: “BREAKING: The Los Angeles Clippers are nearing a deal sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2 first-round picks, 1 pick swap, and 2 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. A return to Canada for the Raptors champion and two-time Finals MVP.”
Injuries have plagued Leonard since his decision to leave Toronto for the West Coast, but he quietly had a fantastic 2025-26 season.
Leonard finished sixth in the NBA, averaging 27.9 points per game, while also grabbing 6.4 rebounds and dishing out 3.6 assists per game. He shot 50.5% from the field, 38.7% from three, and 89.2% from the free-throw line.
Most importantly? Leonard played in 65 games after appearing in just 37 the previous season.
Leonard has actually missed more than 30 games only once since his nine-game 2017-18 season, but he has played over 60 games only twice since (this season and 68 games two seasons ago), and those 27.9 points per game were a career-high.
Leonard is entering the final year of the 3-year, $149,505,800 contract. Many are shocked by the deal. “I can’t believe it, Kawhi Leonard is actually a Raptor again,” Matt AKA sixringsofsteeI posted.
“gOOD GOD ALMIGHTY,” was all Clique Productions had to say.
Others are just happy to see Leonard “home.”YESSSSSSSSSSSSS WELCOME BACK HOMEEEEEE,” writes Lyés Bouzidi.
William Lou also welcomed back the champ. “WELCOME HOME CHAMP,” they wrote on X.
Brett Siegel went a little more in-depth on the deal.
“League sources told @ClutchPoints that negotiations between the Clippers and Raptors involving Kawhi Leonard are ongoing,” Siegel reports.
“The framework of Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and a 1st-round pick going to LA is said to be agreed upon, but the Clippers have still been pushing for more value. Sources say the Clippers have been trying to add Jamal Shead in the package as well. LA views him as extra value needed for taking Gradey Dick in the deal.”
“Draft compensation is the other hold up in negotiations right now. Raptors are wanting to give up an immediate first (2027/2028) instead of one in the future. Clippers have wanted two firsts, one being in the future, especially if Shead is not included.”
“Whether it’s an additional first, a swap, the inclusion of Shead, or some combination of this, the Clippers are still pushing for more than what was originally offered to finalize a trade involving Kawhi Leonard returning to Toronto.”
Obviously, with Leonard’s lingering injury history, this is a risky situation, but from the Raptors’ perspective, they didn’t have to give up Scottie Barnes and still return the majority of a team that went 46-36 last season and thinks they are on a much faster track than they were a year ago.
For the Clippers, they get another young player in Dick and another first-round pick to join their youth movement with Darius Garland and the fifth overall pick in this year’s draft, Keaton Wagler. Plus, Ingram is a very capable scorer and could be moved, or the Clippers may opt to keep him as Leonard’s replacement.
Leonard is already a legend in Toronto, and now he has a chance to win back any fans he lost up north when he left in free agency.
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