The Los Angeles Clippers are nearing a trade to send seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The proposed deal includes Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-rounders. Sportsnet’s Michael Grange reports the finalization of the trade remains pending medical clearances for the players involved.
Why is Kawhi Leonard returning to Toronto?
According to Shams Charania, Leonard views this potential move as a definitive opportunity to retire with the franchise where he secured his first NBA championship in 2019. During that title run, Leonard averaged 30.5 points and 9.1 rebounds over 24 playoff games. If the trade proceeds, Grange reports the Raptors intend to sign Leonard to a two-year max extension. As a veteran of over 10 seasons, he is eligible for 35 percent of the projected $173.5 million salary cap for the 2027-28 season, positioning him to earn $126.1 million in new money.
Kawhi Leonard is coming off one of his most efficient seasons, recording career-best averages of 27.9 points per game while shooting 50.5/38.7/89.2 per cent shooting splits over 65 appearances.
What does this mean for the Raptors’ roster?
The Raptors are parting ways with Brandon Ingram, who arrived in Toronto mid-season during the 2024-25 campaign. Ingram, who earned his second career All-Star nod this past year, averaged 21.5 points and 5.6 rebounds while playing 77 games. His tenure in Toronto ended on a difficult note, as he struggled during the team’s first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Ingram missed the final three games of that series due to a right heel injury and underwent surgery to remove a heel spur on May 8. He is expected to be fully recovered by September’s training camp.
How does this trade shift the Clippers’ strategy?
The Clippers appear to be pivoting toward a younger core, continuing a trend that began at the February trade deadline. After moving veterans James Harden and Ivica Zubac, the team acquired Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin. The organization also utilized the No. 5 overall pick in the draft to select 19-year-old Keaton Wagler. This move away from Leonard follows a stretch where the Clippers managed only one Western Conference Finals appearance in eight seasons, despite Leonard’s presence alongside Paul George.
Recent Performance Comparison
| Player | Games Played (2024-25) | PPG |
|---|---|---|
| Kawhi Leonard | 65 | 27.9 |
| Brandon Ingram | 77 | 21.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Kawhi Leonard trade finalized? No. According to Michael Grange, the teams are currently waiting for medical sign-offs before the deal is official.
- How much would Leonard earn in Toronto? Under the proposed two-year extension, Leonard would earn a total of $126.1 million in new money, according to Sportsnet.
- What are the Clippers getting in return? The package includes Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-round picks, as reported by Shams Charania.
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