Leonard’s Return to Toronto
Kawhi Leonard is reportedly set to return to the Toronto Raptors, with a trade deal with the Los Angeles Clippers being finalized on Tuesday. The Clippers opted not to extend the 35-year-old star and are instead moving him to Canada. This move comes as Leonard is in the final year of his current contract, owed $50 million. Reports indicate that the Raptors plan to initiate discussions with Leonard regarding a two-year contract extension.
Leonard previously played one season with the Raptors, leading them to an NBA title in 2019. This championship marked the franchise’s only one since its inception in 1995. During that season, Leonard 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.
Trade Details and Player Movements
In exchange for Leonard, the Clippers are expected to receive Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick. Additionally, the Clippers will acquire two future first-round draft picks, two second-round draft picks, and a pick swap. Ingram averaged 21.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season, earning his second career All-Star selection in his first campaign with the Raptors. Dick, who was selected by the Raptors in 2023, averaged six points and 1.9 rebounds last season. The Raptors concluded last season with a 46-36 record, making the playoffs for the first time since 2022, though they were eliminated in the first round.
The trade marks the end of Leonard’s tenure in Los Angeles, which began ahead of the 2019-20 NBA season. The initial goal for the Clippers was for Leonard to lead the team to a championship. While Leonard and Paul George led the Clippers on two deep playoff runs in their first two years, the team never secured a championship. Leonard missed the entire 2021-22 season due to an ACL injury. He returned the following year, guiding the Clippers to the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, though they lost in the first round each time. Last season, despite Leonard posting a career-high 27.9 points per game, the team failed to reach the postseason, finishing 42-40 and being eliminated in the play-in tournament by the Golden State Warriors.
Ongoing Investigation and Contract Implications
During 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 influenced by his age and the team’s recent performance decline.
The trade also occurs amidst an ongoing NBA investigation into whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap when they initially signed Leonard. The team was accused of providing Leonard with $28 million for no-show jobs, which could violate NBA rules regarding player compensation. This investigation remains active, and its outcome could affect any new contract Leonard signs, whether an extension or a free-agent deal. Leonard’s contract situation, combined with the investigation, places him in a challenging position this season as he returns to Toronto, the city where he last won a title.
Source: sports.yahoo.com