The Toronto Raptors are expected to sign Kawhi Leonard to a contract extension after their trade with the LA Clippers is finalized. ESPN's Shams Charania reports the deal, held up by an NBA investigation, can now proceed. The team's recent form is 3W-0D-2L (LWLWW), including a 114-102 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 3, 2026.
What is the trade and why was it delayed?
The Clippers agreed to send Kawhi Leonard to Toronto on June 30. In return, the Raptors would give up Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks. The NBA paused the trade on July 9 to investigate the Clippers for salary cap circumvention.
That investigation is now complete. The league found the Clippers and Leonard violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement. An independent law firm discovered a pattern of misconduct. Leonard, through his representative Dennis Robertson, pressured the team for off-court income opportunities and didn't reimburse personal expenses.
As a penalty, the Clippers must forfeit five first-round draft picks. With the probe over, the transaction can be officially completed. Leonard has one year left on his current deal, worth $50.3 million for the upcoming season.
Why does this matter for the Toronto Raptors?
Acquiring Kawhi Leonard is a massive move for the Raptors' championship aspirations. He is a two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP. His career playoff averages are 21.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.
Leonard knows Toronto well. He was traded here from San Antonio in 2018. That season, he averaged 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, making the All-Star and All-NBA Second Teams. He led the Raptors to a 58-win season and the 2nd seed in the East.
His playoff run that year was legendary. With Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry, Toronto beat Orlando, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee. They then faced the Golden State Warriors in the Finals. Leonard averaged 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in the six-game series to win the title and Finals MVP.
His return brings elite two-way talent to a roster you can track on our [squad](/squad) page. Securing an extension would provide long-term stability for the franchise.
What is Kawhi Leonard's history with the Clippers?
Leonard left Toronto in the 2019 offseason to join the LA Clippers, who also traded for Paul George. They were teammates for five seasons before George joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 2024. The Clippers never reached the NBA Finals during Leonard's tenure.
He played 331 regular-season games for LA. The team's record was 217-114 when he played. In 35 playoff games with the Clippers, they went 17-18. Last season, LA traded James Harden to Cleveland and Ivica Zubac to Indiana.
Leonard is a top-75 player in NBA history. His career regular-season averages are 20.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. He's a seven-time All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
What comes next for the Raptors?
The immediate next step is finalizing the trade paperwork with the league office. Once Leonard is officially a Raptor, extension negotiations can begin in earnest. The front office will aim to lock down the future Hall of Famer for multiple seasons.
This move signals a clear win-now intention from Toronto. Integrating a superstar of Leonard's caliber will define their upcoming season. Fans can follow how this impacts the team's performance and [standings](/standings) race. His health and ability to carry a heavy load will be watched closely. But his proven track record in Toronto creates legitimate excitement for another deep playoff run.
