Reports indicate that the Toronto Raptors are finalizing a deal to acquire Kawhi Leonard from the LA Clippers. This move would mark Leonard’s return to Toronto, where he previously played during the 2018-19 season and earned the NBA Finals MVP award while leading the Raptors to the 2019 NBA championship.
The reported trade package from the Raptors to the Clippers includes Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and future draft picks. Specific details regarding the draft capital are reportedly still being finalized between the two teams. Sources suggest the Clippers would receive two first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-rounders.
Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, has one year remaining on his current contract, which he signed with the Clippers in 2019. According to multiple reports, Leonard intends to sign a contract extension with the Raptors upon his return. This extension is reportedly being structured to potentially keep him with the team through the 2028-29 season.
The 35-year-old forward is a seven-time All-Star, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and a member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team. Last season with the Clippers, Leonard averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over 65 games.
Players Involved in the Trade
Brandon Ingram, who began his career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016, is reportedly returning to Los Angeles as part of this trade. After three seasons with the Lakers and six with the New Orleans Pelicans, the 28-year-old All-Star forward averaged 21.5 points and 5.6 rebounds over 77 games in his lone season with the Pelicans.
Gradey Dick, the 13th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is also part of the reported trade package. Over his first three seasons in the NBA, Dick has averaged 9.2 points and 2.5 rebounds.
Previous Trade Discussions and Context
Before these reports of a deal with Toronto, the Clippers had engaged in discussions with the Dallas Mavericks regarding a potential trade for Leonard. Mavericks president Masai Ujiri, who previously acquired Leonard for the Raptors in 2018, showed interest in reuniting with the player.
The Mavericks and Clippers reportedly discussed a deal that would have sent Leonard to Dallas in exchange for a package including P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and draft picks. Ujiri’s 2018 trade for Leonard, which involved sending DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs for Leonard and Danny Green, led to the Raptors’ first championship.
During the 2019 postseason, Leonard averaged 30.5 points per game and was named Finals MVP after the Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games. He had also previously won another title with San Antonio, where he was also named Finals MVP.
Leonard is owed $50.3 million for the upcoming season. His previous season with the Clippers saw him average a career-high 27.9 points per game. The Mavericks, who went 26-56 last season, were reportedly looking to boost their offense with Leonard, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time All-NBA member.
The Mavericks’ draft future is constrained by previous moves, including owing their 2027 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets and having no control over their 2029 first-round pick. Their 2028 and 2030 first-rounders are tied up in pick swaps.
P.J. Washington, who arrived via trade in February 2024, was a key starter on the Mavericks’ finals team and is set to begin a four-year, $88.8 million extension. Klay Thompson, acquired by the Mavericks from the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade, appeared in 69 games last season, averaging 11.7 points.
The reported deal between the Raptors and Clippers is expected to be finalized soon.
Source: nba.com