Kawhi Returns to Raptors

Leonard's Best Season Ends With a Trade Demand

Leonard just finished arguably the best statistical season of his career. He played 65 games in 2025-26 — his most since 2017 — and averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, according to Sportsnet. He shot 50.5% from the field and 38.7% from three. He earned All-NBA Second Team honors and finished seventh in MVP voting.

Despite that performance, Leonard made clear he would only sign a long-term extension with Toronto, according to NBC Sports. The Clippers reportedly offered a 2-year, $126 million deal. Leonard turned it down. Owner Steve Ballmer, unwilling to commit max money to a 35-year-old, chose to move on rather than lose him for nothing.

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Toronto Pays a Heavy Price to Bring Back 'The Klaw'

The Raptors gave up a lot to make this happen. Brandon Ingram — a high-volume scorer — heads to Los Angeles along with young guard Gradey Dick. Toronto also parted with two first-round picks, a pick swap, and two second-round picks, per Sportsnet. GM Bobby Webster, known for being conservative with draft capital, signed off on the package.

Critics argue the Raptors overpaid. Some voices at Hoops Rumors say the team is "chasing a ghost" of 2019 by trading young talent and future picks for a 35-year-old with a long injury history. Supporters counter that Leonard is playing the best basketball of his life and has shown he can stay healthy.

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Raptors Reload Around Scottie Barnes for a Title Push

With Leonard, the Raptors instantly become one of the East's top contenders. He joins Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett to form a frontcourt that projects as one of the league's best defensive units, according to Sports Illustrated. Leonard carries a $50.3 million salary for 2026-27, the final year of his current deal. Toronto also reportedly wants to sign him to a 2-year, $126 million extension to keep him through 2029.

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Clippers Enter a Youth Era — With a Scandal Looming

Los Angeles is moving on. After trading James Harden and Ivica Zubac in early 2026, and watching Paul George leave in 2024, the Clippers are now building around Darius Garland and 2026 draft pick Keaton Wagler (No. 5 overall). Clearing Leonard's $50.3 million salary gives them room to grow younger and cheaper.

A shadow hangs over the trade. The NBA is investigating the Clippers for allegedly signing Leonard to a "fake" $28 million-per-year endorsement deal through a firm called Aspiration — a company tied to owner Steve Ballmer — to get around the salary cap, according to the LA Times. Some analysts believe the Clippers rushed to move Leonard partly to distance themselves from the scandal before penalties arrive.

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