Kawhi Leonard, who led the Toronto Raptors to their only NBA championship in 2019, could be heading back to Canada. Multiple NBA insiders report that the two-time Finals MVP is open to a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers only to the Lakers or the Raptors, sparking serious trade discussions.
Trade Talks Intensify
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday morning that Leonard’s camp has indicated he would only agree to a contract extension to stay in Los Angeles or with the Raptors. The Clippers and Raptors are reportedly engaged in serious trade talks. Leonard made an All-NBA team four times in six seasons with the Clippers, including 2025-26 when he finished seventh in MVP voting, but he also missed an entire season and large chunks of others due to injuries.
Leonard turned 35 on Monday amid the latest barrage of trade rumors. His age and injury history are concerns for the Raptors, but the franchise is known for its load management program under director of sports science Alex McKechnie. Leonard previously praised the Raptors' medical staff: “It’s big. You have to be able to play for people that you trust and them being able to see what you feel and you just move from there and try to get better together,” he said during his time with Toronto. “They’ve been doing a good job of reading images and making sure that I’m improving instead of declining on the health side.”
Raptors’ Offer and Clippers’ Demands
Toronto has reportedly offered Brandon Ingram ($40 million US with a player option for $41.9 million) and Gradey Dick ($7.1 million, soon a restricted free agent), along with at least one first-round pick. To make salaries nearly even, the Raptors might include Trayce Jackson-Davis ($2.4 million option picked up Monday) or Jonathan Mogbo. The Clippers, however, want more, such as promising big man Collin Murray-Boyles or Ja’Kobe Walter, who led the NBA in three-point percentage post-All-Star break. Toronto considers Murray-Boyles and Walter, both 21, as untouchable due to their potential.
Why the Clippers Would Trade Leonard
The Leonard and Paul George era failed to deliver a championship. George left last summer for Philadelphia, which proved beneficial for the Clippers given his age and injuries. Leonard is a better player and currently healthier, but committing $126 million over two years carries risk. The Clippers want to get younger, having drafted 19-year-old Keaton Wagler fifth overall and swapped James Harden for Darius Garland, 10 years younger, last season.
Comparable Trades
Recent superstar trades show diminished returns. Kevin Durant was traded for Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, the 10th pick in 2025, and second-rounders. Ingram is arguably more valuable than Brooks or Green, making Toronto’s offer comparable. Atlanta traded Trae Young for no draft picks, and Anthony Davis went to Washington for a minimal return. Jimmy Butler landed in Golden State for Andrew Wiggins and a first-round pick. Even Damian Lillard fetched slightly more when in his prime.
Leonard’s Connection to Toronto
Leonard has maintained ties to Canada. In January, he said, “Toronto is still in my heart” while dedicating a basketball court in Scarborough and running a youth camp. He noted that his son was “born out here, so he’s a Canadian.” The built-in trust with the Raptors’ medical staff could be a deciding factor as his career winds down.
