Superstar forward Kawhi Leonard will return to Toronto, seven years after leading the Canadian team to its only NBA championship.
The news was confirmed on Monday after the league approved the trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors.
The deal will send Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, to Toronto, while Raptors players Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick will join the Clippers.
Los Angeles will also receive two first-round draft picks, two second-round draft picks and the right to swap picks in 2027.
Raptors GM welcomes back Leonard
The trade was submitted to the NBA office two and a half months ago, but the teams put the deal on hold pending the outcome of the league’s investigation into whether the Clippers had violated salary-cap rules regarding Leonard’s compensation.
The NBA investigation found that the Clippers helped Leonard evade salary-cap rules through agreements with team corporate sponsors when he signed with the franchise in 2022.
According to the investigation, the club induced companies to enter into agreements with Leonard by offering them business, paid personal expenses for Leonard and his representatives, and failed to report improper solicitations for income opportunities by Leonard’s then-business manager.
Raptors general manager and executive vice-president Bobby Webster welcomed the 35-year-old veteran back to Toronto, citing the impact the superstar could have on the team, the city and Canada.
Webster emphasised that Leonard’s leadership, experience and talent are expected to help the Raptors pursue their second NBA title.
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Raptors back in Eastern Conference contention following Leonard deal
The move should put the Raptors back in Eastern Conference title contention, with Leonard joining young stars Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
The seven-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection is coming off the highest-scoring season of his career, averaging 27.9 points per game for the Clippers in 65 appearances.
Considered one of the league’s top defensive players, Leonard could sign an extension with Toronto once the trade is officially completed.
The Raptors and Clippers are scheduled to meet in a preseason game on October 10, with Leonard facing his former team and Ingram making his debut for Los Angeles.
During the regular season, Toronto will visit the Clippers on November 2 before hosting them on January 1, 2027.
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