Raptors and Clippers reportedly discuss trade for Kawhi Leonard
Reports indicate that the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers have held substantive trade talks about sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto, with potential player and draft pick components still undefined.
According to NBA reporters Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers have engaged in "real" trade discussions concerning Kawhi Leonard returning to Toronto. Leonard, who is set to become a free agent in 2027, is reportedly only interested in extending with either the Raptors or the San Antonio Spurs.
The proposed deal could involve the Clippers sending Brandon Ingram to Toronto instead of RJ Barrett to satisfy salary-matching requirements, though the exact assets to be exchanged have not been disclosed. The Raptors control their own first-round picks and could offer multiple first-round selections and swaps, while the Clippers may seek to retain a promising rookie such as Collin Murray-Boyles.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is said to be reluctant to trade Leonard, but the franchise has recently shifted toward a younger roster, having traded James Harden for Darius Garland and Ivica Zubac for Bennedict Mathurin and draft picks. The team still owes first-round picks through 2029, making additional draft capital a priority.
The NBA is also reviewing Leonard’s sponsorship agreement with Aspiration for possible salary-cap violations, which could affect the Clippers’ future draft assets.
Financial considerations remain complex. The Raptors have limited cap space under the first apron and would need to manage incoming salary to avoid a hard cap that could restrict roster building. The Clippers would likely require a player such as Ingram, Immanuel Quickley or Jakob Poeltl on a contract that aligns with their long-term plans, and may request extra compensation if Ingram’s salary is deemed unfavorable.