Los Angeles is reportedly losing another superstar after LeBron James, with Kawhi Leonard rumored to be on the verge of a spectacular return to a former team.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, a trade involving «The Claw» from the Clippers to the Toronto Raptors is imminent. In exchange, the Clippers would reportedly receive Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a pick swap.
This move would see Kawhi return to the place where he celebrated perhaps the greatest success of his career seven years ago. In 2019, the now 35-year-old led the Raptors to the franchise’s first and only NBA title.
Speculation surrounding «The Claw’s» future with the Clippers was recently fueled by an ESPN report from insiders Brian Windhorst and Bobby Marks. Marks, in particular, deemed a return for Leonard to his former teams in Toronto or San Antonio as not unlikely. Both teams reportedly showed interest, but it now appears the Raptors are winning the race.
However, the anticipated reunion of Scottie Barnes and Ingram will not materialize as planned, as Ingram is now headed to Los Angeles as part of the trade, furthering the team’s youth movement that began at the trade deadline.
Los Angeles Clippers: The Star Trio Makes Way for a Rebuild
The Clippers have signaled a shift in direction, moving away from a win-now mentality towards a more long-term and sustainable plan. This was already evident in the trades of James Harden and Ivica Zubac, occurring at a time when the Clippers, after a disastrous start to the season, were showing signs of rallying to make the playoffs.
Harden was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for a second-round pick and the twice (and significantly younger) All-Star Darius Garland. Zubac was sent to the Indiana Pacers for two first-round picks (2026 protected, 2029 unprotected), a second-round pick, and Bennedict Mathurin. With the 2026 pick, the Clippers secured a top talent in Keaton Wagler from the highly-regarded draft class, selecting him fifth overall.
With the additions of two-time All-Stars Ingram (2020, 2026) and Garland, along with Mathurin, Wagler, and a plethora of first-round picks, the «win-now» mode in Los Angeles could be reactivated sooner than previously anticipated.
Kawhi Leonard Likely Secures Final Major Contract; Trade Carries Risks for Raptors
Underlying the recent trade rumors surrounding Leonard were the following considerations: Kawhi was entering the final guaranteed year of his contract with the Clippers and will now earn $50.3 million with the Raptors next season. He is reportedly eyeing his final major contract, which, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes, he will receive until 2029 for $124 million.
Leonard had his best and most consistent season in years, averaging 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, without being constantly sidelined by injuries. He experienced a truly injury-plagued year in 2024/25, playing only 37 regular-season games, compared to 65 this past season.
Despite this, there has always been a significant question mark surrounding Kawhi’s health, making the trade a potentially risky move for the Raptors.
However, Leonard will join an emerging Toronto team led by All-Star Scottie Barnes, a team that pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to a Game 7 in the first round of the playoffs. This was Toronto’s first postseason appearance since 2021/22.