Kawhi Leonard returns to Toronto in trade with Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers will send Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, rookie Gradey Dick and multiple draft picks, marking Leonard's return to the team that won the 2019 title.
The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to trade forward Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors, according to ESPN. Toronto will receive Leonard along with the rights to rookie Gradey Dick, while the Clippers acquire Brandon Ingram, two first-round selections, a pick-swap right and two second-round picks.
Leonard originally left Toronto after the 2019 championship season, signing a free-agent contract with the Clippers. His tenure in Los Angeles included the franchise’s first Western Conference Finals appearance, though he missed that series after tearing his ACL in the preceding round.
The NBA is currently reviewing a separate allegation that the Clippers may have violated salary-cap rules through a sponsorship arrangement involving Leonard and the company Aspiration. The league’s investigation began last offseason, and the Clippers have denied any wrongdoing.
Leonard, who is on an expiring contract, reportedly considered only the Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs as potential destinations. Toronto’s roster has been completely rebuilt since his departure, with no members of the 2019 championship team remaining and both former executive Masai Ujiri and coach Nick Nurse out of the organization. General manager Bobby Webster, who helped assemble the 2019 title squad, guided the team to a 46-win season and a fifth-seed playoff berth, pushing the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games.
Following the acquisition, the Raptors are listed among the teams with the highest odds to win the Eastern Conference next season, according to FanDuel odds released on June 30.