Kawhi Leonard-Raptors: trade talks with the Clippers are gaining momentum
Kawhi Leonard is reportedly open to a return to the Toronto Raptors through a sign-and-trade deal that could include another former Los Angeles star and multiple Draft picks
The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers have opened extensive discussions to evaluate a trade that would send Kawhi Leonard back to Canada.
According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer in their latest report for The Stein Line, talks between the two front offices entered an active phase over the weekend. Toronto is reportedly putting together a formal offer to reacquire the forward who led the franchise to the 2019 NBA championship, taking advantage of a specific contractual window.
The framework of the potential deal highlights differing opinions regarding the trade package, which would include a certain number of Draft picks built around Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick.
Talks between the teams continued on Sunday. The Clippers are naturally trying to get more than what’s currently being offered in exchange for the face of their franchise, while the Raptors remain committed to building a broader package rather than including Canadian wing RJ Barrett
Marc Stein
Why Toronto prefers to keep Barrett over Ingram
The Raptors’ firm stance on keeping RJ Barrett is rooted in basketball fit. Toronto’s coaching staff reportedly believes Brandon Ingram’s playing style overlaps too much with Leonard’s, making Ingram the more expendable piece if the team wants to preserve roster balance.
On the Clippers’ side, the organization has not actively shopped Leonard, who earned All-NBA Second Team honors during the 2025-26 season, but it is facing a significant contract decision.
Leonard is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract at $50.3 million and becomes eligible for an extension beginning July 6. According to the report, negotiations gained momentum after Leonard expressed a willingness to sign a long-term extension with the Raptors if a trade is completed.
The inclusion of Brandon Ingram, fresh off an All-Star season, is viewed as the most appealing element for the Clippers. Adding a forward with his skill set would allow Los Angeles to remain competitive in the Western Conference while continuing the organizational direction established by the arrivals of Darius Garland at point guard and rookie Keaton Wagler, selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the NBA Draft.
While Los Angeles appears ready to turn the page, the Warriors’ front office in San Francisco is reportedly going all-in on LeBron James and Anthony Davis in pursuit of another NBA championship. Major changes could be on the horizon in California.