Kawhi Leonard was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers back to the Toronto Raptors on June 30, 2026, or earlier, marking a major shift for both NBA teams [1, 2, 3]. The Raptors sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-round picks to Los Angeles in exchange for Leonard [1, 2, 3].
Leonard, who turned 35 on June 29, 2026, originally led the Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019 and earned Finals MVP honors that postseason, scoring 732 points in the playoffs — the third most in a single playoff run behind Michael Jordan and LeBron James [1, 2, 3]. After the title, he signed with the Clippers as a free agent [1, 2, 3].
His time with the Clippers was plagued by injuries and limited playoff success. The team reached only one Western Conference Finals during Leonard's tenure, which he missed due to injury [1, 3]. The Clippers finished the 2025-26 season with a 42-40 record and were eliminated in the play-in tournament [2]. Despite losing Leonard, Clippers President Lawrence Frank affirmed in April 2026 that "Our plan is to win with Kawhi" [2].
Leonard has one year remaining on his contract worth about $50.3 million for the 2026-27 season [2, 3]. He is expected to be eligible for a two-year extension with the Raptors valued between $123.7 million and $126.1 million [2, 3]. Reports indicated Leonard preferred to only extend contracts with Toronto or the San Antonio Spurs [1, 2].
The Raptors have largely rebuilt since the 2019 championship season, with none of the players or coaches from that title run still on the roster or staff [1]. Toronto aims to integrate Leonard back into the evolving lineup.
The Clippers have begun moving toward a youth movement after trading stars like James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the recent deadline [1]. Meanwhile, the NBA is investigating whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap through a Leonard-related sponsorship deal [1].
The trade closes a significant chapter for Leonard, the Raptors, and the Clippers. Details of Leonard’s contract extension with Toronto are expected to follow soon after the deal’s completion.
