Former Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet has weighed in on the blockbuster trade that sent Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto. The move, which saw the Los Angeles Clippers receive Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and five draft picks, is arguably the biggest story of the offseason. The Raptors are currently in a tight playoff series, with their last result a 114-102 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 3, 2026.
VanVleet, an integral part of the Raptors' 2019 championship team alongside Leonard, shared his thoughts via HoopsHype. His reaction was succinct and optimistic about the team's future prospects in the Eastern Conference.
VanVleet's comment was direct. "I mean listen, they didn’t get worse," he said. He expressed clear excitement for the city of Toronto and the organization itself. "I am excited for the city. I am excited for the organization."
His four-word assessment, "they didn’t get worse," shows the immediate upgrade Leonard brings. VanVleet knows firsthand what Leonard is capable of, having shared the court during the franchise's championship run. Leonard not only led the Raptors to their first NBA title but also captured his second Finals MVP award that season.
Acquiring a player of Kawhi Leonard's caliber instantly reshapes the team's ceiling. He is a two-time NBA champion and a proven playoff performer. His return brings elite two-way play, scoring, and veteran leadership to a roster already competing in the postseason.
The Raptors' recent form shows they are a competitive team, with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses in their last five games (LWLWW). Their recent results against the Cavaliers include a 112-110 win on May 1, 2026, and a 125-120 loss on April 29, 2026. Adding Leonard could be the difference in closing out tight series like these.
His presence on the perimeter and in the paint will force opposing defenses to adjust their entire game plan. It also takes pressure off other scorers and creates more open looks from three-point range. For a team looking to make a deep playoff run, this is a game-changing move.
The team is in the midst of a hard-fought playoff series. Beyond the recent 114-102 loss, they also fell 115-105 to Cleveland on April 20, 2026. However, they have shown resilience with wins like their 93-89 victory on April 26, 2026, and a dominant 126-104 performance on April 24, 2026.
Integrating a superstar mid-series is a unique challenge, but Leonard's familiarity with the city and some core elements of the franchise could speed up the process. The front office clearly believes his talent outweighs the short-term adjustment period. Fans can track how this new-look team progresses by checking the official standings and stats pages.
The immediate focus remains on the current playoff battle. Every possession and every game matters more now. Leonard's conditioning and fit within the current offensive and defensive schemes will be under the microscope from his first minute on the court.
Long-term, this trade signals a win-now mentality from the Raptors' front office. Sending out a promising young player like Gradey Dick and significant draft capital shows a commitment to contending immediately. The Eastern Conference landscape just got more interesting, and VanVleet's simple analysis might be an understatement. The Raptors didn't just avoid getting worse; they likely got a whole lot better.
