Toronto Raptors are having serious trade talks for Kawhi Leonard

When reports about Kawhi Leonard potentially returning to the Toronto Raptors surfaced last week, many fans dismissed them.

But according to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Leonard's Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors may be closer to a deal than we may think.

Speaking on ESPN's Get Up on Monday morning, Charania addressed the speculation surrounding the 2019 NBA Finals MVP, saying the trade discussions are real and that both the Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers share mutual interest.

"The Clippers and Toronto Raptors are seriously engaged on a trade that would send Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto."

—@ShamsCharania on a potential Kawhi trade 😱 pic.twitter.com/8hCWWp7KUR

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 29, 2026

With Leonard having one year left on his three-year, $150 million contract, the Clippers reportedly want to move in a younger direction and have yet to offer the 35-year-old an extension.

Charania said Toronto is the only team Leonard would currently commit to signing a long-term extension with outside of Los Angeles, and that the Raptors and Clippers have already engaged in trade discussions.

According to another NBA insider, Tomer Azarly, Toronto has offered Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and future draft compensation in a potential package for Leonard. But the Clippers apparently want more.

Los Angeles is said to be interested in Raptors rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, who earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honours after averaging 8.5 points and five rebounds per game last season, and would want him to be included in any deal.

Though Toronto has shown no interest in parting ways with its young 21-year-old forward.

Charania said both sides remain interested, and trade talks are expected to continue this week.

"The Clippers and the Raptors are seriously engaged in trade talks surrounding Kawhi Leonard."@ShamsCharania details Kawhi potentially returning to Toronto 🍿 pic.twitter.com/J8zNMbCD8f

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 29, 2026

Despite just turning 35, Leonard is coming off one of the best NBA seasons of his career, playing 65 games and averaging 27.9 points and 6.4 rebounds.

He only played 60 games during the 2018-19 season with the Toronto Raptors.

Leonard had the opportunity to stay in Toronto following the team's NBA Championship win, but instead went home to Southern California and signed with the Los Angeles Clippers on a three-year, $103 million deal.

The furthest he made it in the playoffs during his six-year tenure with the Clippers was the second round.