Kawhi Leonard Shockingly Traded Back to Toronto Raptors in Blockbuster Deal

A serious NBA reunion is formally occurring as Kawhi Leonard is heading again to the Toronto Raptors in one of many largest trades of the offseason.

Multiple studies mentioned the Los Angeles Clippers agreed to commerce Leonard to Toronto in trade for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round choose swap, and two second-round alternatives.

Kawhi Leonard Headed Back to Toronto

The blockbuster transfer reunites Leonard with the franchise the place he received the 2019 NBA championship and earned Finals MVP honors after main Toronto previous the Golden State Warriors. League sources mentioned Leonard can also be prepared to signal a contract extension with the Raptors, which reportedly performed a significant function in Toronto’s resolution to finish the commerce. The 35-year-old star is coming off among the finest offensive seasons of his profession.

Last season, Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 factors per sport whereas capturing over 50 % from the sector. He additionally earned All-NBA Second Team honors and completed seventh in MVP voting, TheAthletic reported.

Toronto hopes Leonard can instantly increase the crew’s stage within the Eastern Conference alongside rising star Scottie Barnes. The Raptors completed fifth within the East final season earlier than dropping to the Cleveland Cavaliers within the first spherical of the playoffs.

Kawhi Leonard Era Ends as Clippers

For Clippers followers, the commerce marks the top of an period that started with huge expectations in 2019.

Leonard joined Los Angeles after his championship run in Toronto, and the crew rapidly traded for Paul George to create a famous person duo. At the time, the Clippers have been considered as critical championship contenders. However, accidents and playoff disappointments prevented the crew from reaching the NBA Finals throughout Leonard’s seven-year keep.

The closest the Clippers got here was in 2021 once they reached the Western Conference finals earlier than dropping to the Phoenix Suns whereas Leonard recovered from a torn ACL.

Over the previous two years, the franchise slowly begun reshaping its roster. Veterans like James Harden and Ivica Zubac have been traded because the crew moved towards a youthful core.

According to ESPN, Clippers president Lawrence Frank beforehand mentioned, “Our plan is to win with Kawhi,” however the group ultimately selected a special path.

The commerce additionally arrives whereas the Clippers stay beneath NBA investigation linked to allegations involving salary-cap circumvention tied to Leonard and the corporate Aspiration.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver not too long ago acknowledged that the league hopes to “wrap up” the investigation quickly.