The Los Angeles Clippers traded seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors in a multi-player deal finalized between June 30 and July 1, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Leonard, who led the Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019 and won Finals MVP honors, returns to the team he made history with before signing as a free agent with the Clippers in the summer of 2019 [1, 2, 3, 5].
In exchange for Leonard, the Raptors sent Brandon Ingram, a former All-Star forward, and Gradey Dick, a promising young guard, to the Clippers. The package also includes two unprotected first-round draft picks in 2031 and 2033, two second-round picks in 2030 and 2033, and a first-round pick swap option in 2027 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. This trade marks a strategic shift for the Clippers toward rebuilding a younger roster while moving away from Leonard's injury history and high salary commitments [4, 5].
Leonard, who turned 35 on June 29, 2026, has struggled with injuries throughout his seven seasons in Los Angeles. He missed an entire season due to a torn ACL and played more than 60 games in only two of those seasons [2, 4, 5]. He has one year remaining on his contract worth $50.3 million for the 2026-27 NBA season and aims to negotiate a two-year extension with the Raptors valued between $123.7 million and $126.1 million [3, 5].
Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations, said of Leonard during the offseason, "Our plan is to win with Kawhi" [3]. However, the team's 42-40 record last season and Leonard's injuries appear to have pushed the Clippers toward this roster overhaul [3].
No members remain from the Raptors' 2019 championship roster, and key figures such as Masai Ujiri and coach Nick Nurse have left the franchise. General manager Bobby Webster remains in place [2]. Meanwhile, the Clippers had faced an NBA investigation regarding a possible salary-cap circumvention involving Leonard's endorsement deals but maintain their innocence [2, 4].
The trade closes a full circle for Leonard, who scored 732 points in the 2019 playoffs, ranking third all-time for a single postseason [3]. Toronto hopes his return will boost their competitiveness for the upcoming season and beyond.
Both teams now turn focus to the 2026-27 season, with Leonard set to suit up for the Raptors under his expiring contract while discussions start for his contract extension [3, 5].
