Raptors Agree to Reacquire Kawhi Leonard as Clippers Face League Penalties
Toronto lands a superstar to pair with Scottie Barnes while Los Angeles absorbs heavy NBA sanctions for salary cap circumvention.
The Toronto Raptors have agreed to acquire Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers, according to reporting from CBS Sports and Sports Illustrated. The deal, which was delayed for over two months due to an NBA investigation, sends Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 pick swap, and two second-round picks (2030 and 2033) to Los Angeles.
The trade follows a league determination that the Clippers circumvented the salary cap by providing Leonard with prohibited endorsement money. As a result, the NBA stripped the Clippers of five first-round picks from 2029 to 2033. Suspended Clippers owner Steve Ballmer released a statement Sunday night accepting the penalties and committing to move past the chapter, CBS Sports reports.
For Toronto, the move resets their offensive ceiling. CBS Sports notes that Leonard, who finished seventh in MVP voting last season, provides an alpha scorer to relieve Scottie Barnes of primary late-game responsibilities. This allows Barnes to shift into a complementary role, while Leonard takes over as the primary isolation and pick-and-roll threat. The Raptors are replacing Brandon Ingram, whose methodical style was cited by CBS Sports as a poor fit for Toronto's fast-paced offense.
Sports Illustrated reports that Leonard's arrival creates a versatile starting five alongside Immanuel Quickley, R.J. Barrett, Barnes, and Jakob Poeltl. Beyond scoring, Leonard provides Toronto with a second elite defender capable of guarding all five positions. While Leonard is owed $50 million for the 2026-27 season, CBS Sports reports he is expected to sign an extension with the Raptors.