Copy of Kawhi Leonard's return to the Raptors is latest ex...
Key takeaways
- Kawhi Leonard is heading back to the Toronto Raptors after the franchise acquired him in a trade from the LA Clippers on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
- Leonard averaged 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in the 2018-19 campaign, earning All-Star honors.
- Leonard isn't the first -- or the last -- star to return to the team where they rose to prominence.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Kawhi Leonard won a championship with the Toronto Raptors during the 2018-19 season. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)ESPN staff Jun 30, 2026, 03:42 PM ETMultiple Authors Email Print Open Extended Reactions There's nothing like going back to where it all started.
Kawhi Leonard is heading back to the Toronto Raptors after the franchise acquired him in a trade from the LA Clippers on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Though Leonard wasn't drafted by Toronto, he had a memorable single season with the Raptors. He led them to their first NBA championship in 2019 before signing with the Clippers that offseason.
Leonard averaged 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in the 2018-19 campaign, earning All-Star honors. He earned NBA Finals MVP honors after putting up 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals a game in a six-game series victory over the Golden State Warriors.