Clippers end Kawhi Leonard era with blockbuster trade

Kawhi Leonard. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kawhi Leonard slated to return to Raptors after blockbuster trade from Clippers

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jun 30, 2026 5:42 PM ET

Forward Kawhi Leonard is set to return to "The Six."

The Los Angeles Clippers agreed to send Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap and two second-round picks on Tuesday, per ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania. The deal is still being finalized.

When it's complete, Leonard will be eligible to sign a two-year, $124M contract extension with Toronto, per ESPN's Bobby Marks. Many Raptors fans will be eagerly anticipating the reunion with the 6-foot-6 star.

The last time Kawhi Leonard played for the Raptors, things went great for the Eastern Conference team

Leonard played for the Raptors during the 2018-19 season, leading the team to its only championship. In the 2019 Finals against the Golden State Warriors, he averaged 28.5 points per game in six contests, winning his second Finals MVP. Will he lead them on another run?

WHAT IT DO, BABY?

Kawhi Leonard is headed back to the Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and multiple draft picks, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/F3frzQJNOV
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 30, 2026

It's too early to say. Toronto — which went 46-36 last season but lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games in the first round of the playoffs — may still be a player or two away from being a true contender.

Learned is eligible to extend with Toronto

Up to 2 seasons and $124M in total money

He is in the last year of his contract

Ingram has a player option in 27-28

Dick is a free agent in 2027 and extension eligible now https://t.co/jMT0AMdr1f
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 30, 2026

More importantly, it's unclear whether Leonard, who turned 35 Monday, can still be the best player on a championship team. In 65 games for the Clippers last season, he averaged 27.9 points per game, the sixth-best mark in the league.

However, his durability remained an issue. The seven-time All-Star battled a left ankle sprain and chronic knee issues last season. Injuries have kept Leonard, who has never played in more than 74 games in his 14-year career, sidelined. Along with the knee issues, he has suffered quad and shoulder injuries.

While Leonard may no longer be a true No. 1, he could serve as a mentor to forward Scottie Barnes, who made his second All-Star Game last season. If the forwards jell, the Raptors may take the next step. That would also give them two "fun guys."

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

More must-reads: