The Kawhi Leonard reunion is official

Raptors fans, it’s actually happening. Kawhi Leonard is coming back to Toronto.

According to ESPN‘s Shams Charania, “Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors has been agreed to, sources tell ESPN.”

Trade details:

Clippers receive: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, 2030 and 2033 second-round picks and a 2027 first-round swap

Raptors receive: Kawhi Leonard

Yes, that Kawhi. The one who hit the shot. The one who made Jurassic Park erupt. The one who delivered the greatest season in Raptors history. Seven years after Toronto shocked the NBA by acquiring Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs, he’s coming back to the city where he became a legend.

When he arrived, what followed was hard to believe. The 2019 title run. 732 playoff points (third most ever in a single postseason). The four-bounce Game 7 dagger in Philly against the 76ers. The Giannis Antetokounmpo poster in the ECF. And then of course, the Golden State Warriors dynasty getting taken down on the biggest stage. 

Now, he is back. Leonard returns after another outstanding season with the Clippers, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three in 65 games. His play earned him All-NBA Second Team honours and even some MVP votes. What’s most important is that his season proved he can still perform at an elite level when healthy.

When Leonard arrived in Toronto in 2018, there was one question hanging over everything: How long is he going to stay? He was entering the final year of his contract, and there was no guarantee he’d be a Raptor beyond one season.

This time, it’s different. Leonard isn’t coming back as a one-year gamble. He’s coming back to stay, with a multi-year extension expected to take place. The uncertainty that surrounded his first stint in Toronto is gone. Now, the only question is whether he can help bring another championship north of the border.