Seven years after Kawhi Leonard delivered the primary championship in franchise historical past, Toronto has introduced him again, betting as soon as once more that the danger is well worth the reward.
The Raptors surrendered important belongings to make the transfer, reportedly sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, a first-round swap and two second-round choices to the Clippers.
The associated fee is substantial, however Toronto has already seen this story play out as soon as earlier than.
In 2018, the Raptors traded DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a first-round decide to accumulate Leonard regardless of considerations surrounding his well being. The transfer resulted in an NBA championship and one of many biggest playoff runs in league historical past.
Leonard averaged 31 factors, 9 rebounds and 4 assists through the 2019 postseason whereas capturing 49/38/88 splits. He eradicated Philadelphia together with his iconic Sport Seven buzzer-beater earlier than main Toronto previous Milwaukee and Golden State to seize his second Finals MVP award.
The most important concern this time is just not Leonard’s expertise. It’s his well being.
Leonard has missed roughly 40 % of regular-season video games and thirty % of playoff video games throughout his seven seasons with the Clippers. He missed the whole 2021-22 season after struggling a torn ACL and has continued to cope with knee irritation lately.
Regardless of these considerations, the 34-year-old loved one of many strongest seasons of his profession in 2025-26. Leonard averaged 28 factors, six rebounds and 4 assists whereas capturing 51/39/89 splits throughout 65 video games. He additionally acquired MVP and All-NBA First Staff consideration.
There’s additionally ongoing scrutiny surrounding Leonard and the Clippers. A Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation by Pablo Torre alleged that Leonard acquired extra compensation by a no-show job association that earned him one other $50 million.
In the meantime, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Leonard is already discussing a two-year extension with Toronto.
The Raptors enter subsequent season with Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Collin Murray-Boyles surrounding Leonard in what seems to be a wide-open Jap Convention.
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