Surprising update emerges about Kawhi Leonard’s future

Kawhi Leonard is about to secure (another) big payday in the wake of the Aspiration scandal.

The newly-acquired Toronto Raptors star Leonard is nearing agreement on a contract extension with the Raptors, Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported on Thursday. Fischer adds that Leonard is eligible for a new two-year extension of up to $126 million.

Earlier this week, the LA Clippers officially green-lighted their previously-agreed-upon trade sending Leonard back to the Raptors. The deal had been on hold for over two months due to the NBA’s investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention by the Clippers with regard to Leonard, and the Clippers ultimately got docked five future first-round picks (among a slew of other harsh punishments).

But with the conclusion of the league’s investigation also came clarity for Leonard himself, who is neither getting suspended nor getting his contract voided. As a result, the Raptors were comfortable with moving ahead with the trade for the seven-time All-Star Leonard, who previously led them to an NBA title in 2019 as the Finals MVP.

With Leonard only currently under contract for next season at $50.3 million, Toronto obviously wanted to extend him after trading away several valuable assets (included two-time All-Star Brandon Ingram and two unprotected first-round picks) in the deal with the Clippers. There are also no indications at this point that the Raptors will give Leonard his full and complete $126 million max figure.

But the timing here of a fairly immediate extension is still very surprising given that Leonard is 35 years old now and has a very lengthy list of baggage, both with his off-the-court dealings and with his extended history of injuries. Nonetheless, Toronto (after going 46-36 last season without a true superstar) is ready to take the risk in order to best compete in an extremely loaded Atlantic Division.