Kawhi Leonard is a Toronto Raptor again after blockbuster trade

The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers have completed a blockbuster trade that will result in Kawhi Leonard coming back to Toronto.

The deal, which has been reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, will see the Raptors send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033), and two second-round picks (2030 and 2033) to the Clippers in exchange for the two-time NBA Finals MVP.  

BREAKING: The Los Angeles Clippers are nearing a deal sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2 first-round picks, 1 pick swap and 2 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. A return to Canada for the Raptors champion and two-time Finals MVP. pic.twitter.com/VovqGw5qS6

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2026

Leonard is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, playing 65 games and averaging 27.9 points and 6.4 rebounds.

The Clippers reportedly did not want to offer Leonard, who's in the final year of his three-year $150 million deal, a contract extension. Los Angeles wanted to move in a younger direction, and trading Leonard frees up $10 million in salary cap space.

The acquisition of Leonard will likely be followed by him being offered a two-year extension through the end of the 2028-29 season. 

According to Charania, several NBA teams were interested in Leonard, but Toronto was the only place he wanted to go.

Leonard sees the Toronto move as an opportunity to play for an NBA title contender as well as one where he could potentially retire as a Raptor.

He only played 60 regular-season games during the 2018-19 season with the Raptors during his previous tenure, but came alive in the playoffs, helping the Raptors win their first and only NBA title.