Clippers discuss Kawhi Leonard trade with Raptors
The Los Angeles Clippers are in advanced talks for a possible trade that would send Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors, according to information released by the American media this Monday (29).
According to the report, Leonard's representatives said that, if the Clippers decide to follow another path, the star would be willing to sign a contract extension with the Canadian team.
Before signing a contract with the Los Angeles team, Leonard had a remarkable spell in Toronto in the 2018-19 season, when he led the Raptors to the only NBA title in the franchise's history.
Born in the Los Angeles region, Leonard's preference was to remain with the Clippers, but the team has not yet guaranteed his stay beyond next season. The player only has one year left on his current contract, worth US$50.3 million.
Leonard turned 35 this Monday.
If the trade is completed, the winger would be eligible to sign a two-season extension with the Raptors worth up to $123.7 million, according to ESPN.
Two-time NBA champion, Leonard won his first title with the San Antonio Spurs in the 2013-14 season, in his third season in the league. He was also named Finals MVP in both victories.
The Spurs traded the player to Toronto in July 2018 in a trade that sent DeMar DeRozan to San Antonio.
Leonard's time with the Clippers, however, was marked by physical problems. He missed the entire 2021-22 season due to injury and played in just 37 games in 2024-25. He also participated in 52 matches in the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons.
Last season, he managed to start 65 games and finished as the Clippers leader in scoring, with an average of 27.9 points, and steals, with 1.9 per game.
In addition to on-court issues, the NBA is also investigating whether the Clippers circumvented the league's salary cap by making payments to Leonard through a sponsorship deal with financial company Aspiration, rather than through official payroll channels.
A seven-time All-Star and twice named the NBA's best defender, Leonard is potentially returning to Toronto after a season in which the Clippers finished 42-40 and were eliminated in the play-in by the Golden State Warriors.
The Raptors had a better campaign, with 46 wins and 36 losses, but fell in the first round of the playoffs to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a series decided in seven games.
NBA targets European football giants for basketball league
Source: CNN