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Clippers Trade Kawhi Leonard Back to Toronto Raptors, Ending Seven-Year Chapter in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Clippers are finalizing a trade that returns two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, NBA insider Shams Charania reported. Toronto will send forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two future first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and two second-round picks to Los Angeles to complete the deal. The agreement ends a seven-season tenure defined by chronic injuries and postseason frustration that yielded just three playoff series wins and no NBA Finals appearances for the Clippers.

By Julian Merrick2 min read
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Key takeaways

  • The Los Angeles Clippers are finalizing a trade sending two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors, per insider Shams Charania.
  • Toronto is sending forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two future first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and two second-round picks to Los Angeles.
  • The deal ends Leonard's seven-season Clippers tenure, which produced just three playoff series wins and no NBA Finals appearances.
  • Leonard is under contract through 2027, set to earn more than $50 million next season, and reportedly hopes to sign a two-year, $126.1 million extension to finish his career in Canada.
  • In Toronto, Leonard rejoins the franchise he led to its only championship in 2019 and pairs with ascending forward Scottie Barnes.

The Los Angeles Clippers are finalizing a trade that returns two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, NBA insider Shams Charania reported. Toronto will send forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two future first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and two second-round picks to Los Angeles to complete the deal. The agreement ends a seven-season tenure defined by chronic injuries and postseason frustration that yielded just three playoff series wins and no NBA Finals appearances for the Clippers.

Trade Terms and Contract Status

The Raptors are surrendering two rotation players in Ingram and Dick alongside a substantial package of draft capital — two future first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and two second-round picks. Leonard is under contract through 2027 and is set to earn more than $50 million next season. Reports also indicate he hopes to sign a two-year, $126.1 million extension that would allow him to finish his career in Canada.

A Reset for Steve Ballmer's Franchise

The Clippers acquired Leonard in 2019, when owner Steve Ballmer's franchise entered what was widely expected to be a championship window. Chronic knee injuries repeatedly disrupted Leonard's availability across seven seasons, and the team won just three playoff series during that span without once reaching the NBA Finals. The trade formally closes that chapter and positions Los Angeles for a roster reconstruction built around the incoming pieces from Toronto.

Raptors Bet on Leonard's Championship Pedigree

Leonard led Toronto to the 2019 NBA championship — the only title in franchise history — before departing for Los Angeles that summer. His return pairs him with forward Scottie Barnes, whom reports describe as ascending, giving the Raptors one of the Eastern Conference's more compelling frontcourt combinations. The Raptors are committing significant assets on the belief that Leonard's championship track record, combined with Barnes's development, can make Toronto a genuine contender in the East.

Leonard's desire to remain in Canada through the end of his career adds a longer-term dimension to what is otherwise a high-stakes short-term swing for the franchise.

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Frequently asked

Why are the Clippers trading Kawhi Leonard?

The trade closes a seven-season tenure defined by chronic knee injuries and postseason frustration, with the Clippers winning only three playoff series and never reaching the NBA Finals, and it positions Los Angeles for a roster reconstruction.

What did the Raptors give up to get Kawhi Leonard?

Toronto sent forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two future first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and two second-round picks to Los Angeles.

Has Kawhi Leonard played for Toronto before?

Yes, Leonard led the Raptors to the 2019 NBA championship — the only title in franchise history — before leaving for Los Angeles that summer.

What is Kawhi Leonard's contract situation?

Leonard is under contract through 2027 and is set to earn more than $50 million next season, and he reportedly hopes to sign a two-year, $126.1 million extension to finish his career in Canada.

Who will Kawhi Leonard play alongside in Toronto?

He will pair with ascending forward Scottie Barnes, giving the Raptors one of the Eastern Conference's more compelling frontcourt combinations.