Sources: Clips, Raptors in talks on Kawhi trade
Key takeaways
- LA and Toronto discussed a deal over the past couple of weeks, as Leonard's reps informed other teams he only wanted to sign an extension with the Raptors if the Clippers were not going to keep him, sources said.
- The deal would mark a return to Canada for the star who led the Raptors to an NBA title in 2019, winning Finals MVP after he averaged 28.5 points in their series win over the Golden State Warriors.
- Leonard has been a three-time All-Star for the Clippers and is coming off a career year in which he averaged 27.9 points and played 65 regular-season games.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
LA and Toronto discussed a deal over the past couple of weeks, as Leonard's reps informed other teams he only wanted to sign an extension with the Raptors if the Clippers were not going to keep him, sources said. He had preferred to stay with the Clippers, but the franchise made no long-term commitment to him this offseason, sources said. Leonard has only the 2026-27 season left on his contract at $50.3 million.
The deal would mark a return to Canada for the star who led the Raptors to an NBA title in 2019, winning Finals MVP after he averaged 28.5 points in their series win over the Golden State Warriors. Leonard, who was traded to the Raptors by the San Antonio Spurs in July 2018, played just one season in Toronto, then left as a free agent to join the Clippers. The two-time Finals MVP turns 35 on Monday.
Leonard has been a three-time All-Star for the Clippers and is coming off a career year in which he averaged 27.9 points and played 65 regular-season games. It was just his second season with at least 60 games played since his 2018-19 season in Toronto. He finished seventh in MVP voting and was named to the All-NBA second team, his fourth All-NBA honor with LA. The Clippers, however, went 42-40 and lost in the play-in tournament to the Warriors.