Copy of Toronto goes all in for Kawhi Leonard: Grading the...
Key takeaways
- Eight years ago, the Toronto Raptors were stuck as a strong regular-season team unable to break through in the playoffs.
- Fast forward to 2026, and the Raptors are trying the same move once again.
- The full deal, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, will send Leonard to Toronto in exchange for Ingram, Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one pick swap and two second-round picks.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Eight years ago, the Toronto Raptors were stuck as a strong regular-season team unable to break through in the playoffs. So they took a home run swing, trading their leading scorer (De Mar De Rozan), a recent lottery pick with middling production (Jakob Poeltl) and draft capital for Kawhi Leonard in the two-way star's final season before free agency.
Fast forward to 2026, and the Raptors are trying the same move once again. They're aiming to raise their ceiling by trading their leading scorer (this time, Brandon Ingram), a recent lottery pick with middling production (Gradey Dick) and draft capital for Leonard in his final season before free agency. They can only hope this deal works out as triumphantly as the last one.
The full deal, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, will send Leonard to Toronto in exchange for Ingram, Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one pick swap and two second-round picks.