LA Clippers and Toronto Finalize Kawhi Leonard Trade

The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers have finalized the trade that will see forward Kawhi Leonard return to the Canadian team, ESPN reported.

The two teams had a preliminary agreement for Leonard's transfer earlier in the summer, but the deal couldn't be completed at the time due to an ongoing NBA investigation into the veteran player.

After the investigation concluded and the NBA confirmed that the player had received under-the-table payments from the Clippers' management, circumventing the salary cap, Toronto decided to proceed with the deal. It will be executed under the same terms agreed upon in early July. In exchange for the services of the 35-year-old Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers will receive forwards Brandon Ingram and Grady Dick, two first-round draft picks (in 2031 and 2033), the right to swap draft picks in 2027, and two additional second-round draft picks (in 2030 and 2033).

Kawhi Leonard played for Toronto during the 2018/19 season, helping the Raptors secure their first and only NBA championship to date. His performance earned him the Finals MVP award. However, immediately after winning the title, the former San Antonio Spurs player opted to leave Toronto and move to Los Angeles.

During the past 2025/26 season, Leonard recorded averages of 27.9 points per game, along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals.