Kawhi Leonard returns to the Raptors: “They’re not a title contender”

The Toronto Raptors are bringing Kawhi Leonard back home, reuniting with the franchise icon who led them to their historic 2019 NBA championship. The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to trade the two-time Finals MVP in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, the right to swap 2027 first-round picks, and two second-round selections.

For Leonard, the move marks a return to the franchise where he authored one of the greatest chapters in Raptors history. During Toronto’s 2019 championship run, the former Spurs star scored 732 total playoff points – the third-highest total in a single NBA postseason – leading the Raptors past the Golden State Warriors and earning NBA Finals MVP honors.

With the move back to Canada, Leonard will be eligible to sign a two-year, $123.7 million extension. According to sources close to the player, his goal is to finish his career wearing a Raptors uniform.

Richard Jefferson also weighed in on Toronto’s outlook, tempering expectations about the team’s championship chances:

I wouldn’t call them an NBA title contender. I’d say, on paper, they’re a contender in the Eastern Conference based on what we know right now

Richard Jefferson

The Clippers close a chapter

Leonard’s departure brings one of the most significant eras in recent Clippers history to an end. After arriving in the summer of 2019 following the blockbuster move that also brought Paul George to Los Angeles, the franchise never managed to capture its first NBA championship.

At the end of the season, Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank had publicly reiterated the organization’s desire to continue building around its superstar.

Our plan is to win with Kawhi. As an organization, we’ve shown our commitment to continuing this journey, and we’re determined to win a championship. When the time is right, we’ll sit down with Kawhi, just as we did in 2024, present our vision, and if our goals still align, we’ll want to keep winning together

Lawrence Frank

Ultimately, however, the franchise changed course, and Los Angeles decided it was time to move in a different direction.

Meanwhile, the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers regarding Leonard’s sponsorship agreement with Aspiration remains ongoing. Before the start of the NBA Finals, Commissioner Adam Silver indicated that the league hopes to reach a conclusion soon.

The investigation has been entrusted to a law firm that operates independently from the NBA. We’re covering the costs, but they work entirely independently of the league office. I’ve made it clear that this process can’t go on forever – we have to bring it to a close at some point. At the same time, the most important thing is reaching the right decision

Adam Silver

While the league continues to work through that matter, a new era is taking shape on the court: Toronto reunites with the centerpiece of its 2019 championship team, while the Clippers officially turn the page and begin building around a younger core.