Kawhi Leonard Trade Advances
Raptors and Clippers Kawhi Leonard Trade Expected to Proceed Following NBA Penalties
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The reported trade package also includes second-round picks in 2030 and 2033, in addition to the 2027 first-round pick swap and unprotected 2031 and 2033 first-round selections.
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The Athletic’s John Hollinger said the remaining obstacle is largely administrative, writing that the trade could proceed “as soon as the Clippers get around to figuring out who will okay it,” after owner Steve Ballmer and basketball operations president Lawrence Frank were suspended.
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While awaiting formal completion of the blockbuster deal, Toronto signed center Trey Jemison III to a two-way contract. Jemison previously appeared in 13 games for New York and averaged 8.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 blocks in 31 G League games with Westchester.
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Post-Leonard, the Clippers are not reportedly pursuing an immediate rebuild or selling off their roster; one proposed path is exploring a trade for Milwaukee center Myles Turner, whose floor spacing and rim protection could address Los Angeles’ weak center rotation.
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Another proposed avenue for the Clippers is to continue trade talks with Toronto for Jakob Poeltl in exchange for additional draft capital. Poeltl averaged 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks while shooting 62.7% in 57 games during the 2024-25 season.
The Toronto Raptors' trade for Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers remains paused but is expected to proceed as originally agreed, according to Basketball News. Toronto would send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple future draft picks—including unprotected first-round selections in 2031 and 2033—in exchange for the All-Star forward. The deal stalled during the NBA's investigation into alleged cap circumvention, but Leonard was fined $700,000 rather than suspended, and his contract was not voided.
The Clippers and several executives faced much harsher penalties, including a $30 million team fine, revoked draft picks, and suspensions for owner Steve Ballmer and basketball operations president Lawrence Frank, Yahoo Sports reported. The remaining obstacle is now largely administrative, according to The Athletic. Leonard himself expressed public uncertainty about the trade, telling a fan, "I hope so" when asked if it would go through.
The Trade Package Raptors Are Sending
Toronto's offer includes Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick plus substantial draft capital across multiple years. The Raptors are trading unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and second-round picks in 2030 and 2033, according to The Athletic. This represents one of the most expensive trades for a star player in recent NBA history, giving up both proven talent and future flexibility.
Why the Deal Is Stuck in Administrative Limbo
The Athletic's John Hollinger explained that the biggest hurdle now is simply finding someone at the Clippers with authority to approve it. Owner Steve Ballmer and president Lawrence Frank are both suspended due to the league's punishment. Hollinger wrote the trade could move forward "as soon as the Clippers get around to figuring out who will okay it." The suspension has created a management vacuum at a critical moment.
Toronto Prepares While Clippers Face Fallout
The Raptors have not been idle while waiting. They signed center Trey Jemison III to a two-way contract to bolster depth. Jemison previously played 13 games for New York and averaged 8.3 points and 8.6 rebounds in 31 G League games with Westchester, according to Basketball News. Meanwhile, the Clippers are exploring other moves rather than a full rebuild, including a potential trade for Milwaukee's Myles Turner to address their weak center rotation.
The Clippers have also discussed trading with Toronto for center Jakob Poeltl as an alternative path, which would bring additional draft capital back to Los Angeles. Poeltl averaged 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds while shooting 62.7% in 57 games last season, according to Basketball News. Los Angeles wants to stay competitive rather than enter a rebuild cycle following the scandal.
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