The Toronto Raptors have made significant changes to their depth chart following the 2026 NBA free agency period. The team's roster now features a mix of returning players and new additions, including the highly anticipated return of Kawhi Leonard. Last result: Cleveland Cavaliers 114-102 Toronto Raptors (2026-05-03). The Raptors have been busy re-shaping their roster, and the latest development is the potential return of Kawhi Leonard, who led the team to their first NBA championship in 2019. If the trade is approved, Leonard will be back at age 35 to lead a new Raptors team back to the playoffs. In 65 games with the Clippers last season, Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 points, along with 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists, while shooting 50.5% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range.
What happened?
The Raptors have made a blockbuster deal for star forward Kawhi Leonard, but the trade is still on hold while the NBA investigates allegations involving Leonard and the Clippers. The team has also lost important players in Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick in exchange for Leonard. Ingram is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists last season. Gradey Dick was one of the talented young perimeter shooters on the Raptors' roster, and his three-point shooting ability will be missed.
Why it matters for Toronto Raptors
The Raptors' offseason has been marked by significant changes, and the return of Kawhi Leonard would be a major boost to the team's chances in the Eastern Conference. Leonard's return would pair him with Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and other key players to form a formidable lineup. The team's ability to re-sign guard Alijah Martin and add young playmakers Jaden Bradley and Allen Graves to round out their second unit group has also been a positive development.
What comes next?
The Raptors' next move will be to await the outcome of the Kawhi Leonard trade, which is still pending. If the trade goes through, the team will be well-positioned to be contenders in the Eastern Conference. The team's ability to adapt and make key additions has been a hallmark of their offseason, and the return of Kawhi Leonard would be a major coup. The Raptors have been working to maintain continuity on the roster, and the addition of veteran Kyle Anderson and first-round pick Allen Graves has been a positive development. The team's recent form has been a concern, with a recent loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Recent form (last 5): 2W-0D-3L (LLWWL, most recent first); lost the last 2. However, the return of Kawhi Leonard would give the team a much-needed boost and put them in a strong position to make a deep playoff run.
