Scottie Barnes knows the Raptors are dangerous if the Kawhi Leonard trade pushes through

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Kawhi Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors earlier in July 2026. However, it has not been finalized just yet, mostly because of the controversy surrounding the Los Angeles Clippers and Aspiration.

Despite that, there have been discussions with the players involved about what kind of fit they will have with each other. Scottie Barnes, in particular, thinks the Raptors could be quite strong.

Scottie Barnes believes Kawhi Leonard will make the Raptors more dangerous​

Barnes and the Raptors were one of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference during the 2025-26 season. With him and Collin Murray-Boyles, they formed a partnership that made it hard to score against them.

Of course, they still needed some improvements, especially on the offensive side of the game. Brandon Ingram was decent, but he is not the superstar-level player the team needs to stand out further.

MORE: The reason why Kawhi Leonard's trade to Toronto is being held up by the NBA

That is why the Leonard trade was so big for the Raptors. Getting a proven superstar can help the Raptors break through the ceiling and prove that the Raptors have the potential. Barnes knows that, which is why he is excited to see the trade go through soon.

"Seems very dangerous. We got people everywhere on the floor, every position that's ready to guard. Have that mentality of taking candy from a baby. We've got guys everywhere that's ready to go out there. We know what Kawhi can do out there, be able to score the ball, guard the ball, steals, active, just going to fit right in," Barnes said at NBA Summer League.

The possibility of playing against a team with Leonard, Barnes, and Murray-Boyles is terrifying for most matchups. If the Raptors' trade finally goes through, this will be one of the most dreaded opponents in the league.

More NBA news:​

• How Drake's album ruined the chances of the Raptors getting DeMar DeRozan again
• The Raptors have signed a seven-foot center who stood out in the Big Ten
• Kyle Lowry has made it official that he is retiring with the Raptors
• Revisiting Kawhi Leonard's one year with the Raptors ahead of his return to Toronto
• Comparing the trade packages for Kawhi Leonard in 2018 and 2026

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