Kawhi Leonard Set to Return to Toronto Raptors in Trade with Los Angeles Clippers

The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to complete a trade sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto. The deal, which includes Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and five draft picks going to Los Angeles, was delayed while the NBA investigated Leonard and the Clippers for alleged salary-cap circumvention. The league concluded its probe on September 2, fining Leonard $700,000 but taking no further action. Leonard is expected to address media at the Raptors' media day on September 28.

Reports from multiple outlets indicate that the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers have reached a deal to bring forward Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto. The exchange is expected to be formalised once a trade call has been completed. The deal was first broken by Shams Charania, a reporter with a prominent television network. The franchise had no statement to share regarding the rumoured deal. Under the proposed arrangement, Los Angeles would receive forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round selections in 2031 and 2033, a first-round pick swap in 2027, and two second-round picks. The agreement remained paused pending an NBA review of Leonard and the Clippers over potential salary-cap violations. On Sept. 2, the league wrapped up its inquiry into the matter, imposing a $700,000 (US) penalty on Leonard while opting against a suspension or contract nullification. Pending formal submission to the league and with the inquiry still ongoing, Leonard, Ingram and Dick engaged with their respective new franchises to the extent permitted under NBA regulations. During Kyle Lowry's July 7 retirement announcement at OVO Athletic Centre — where Lowry confirmed he would end his playing career as a Raptor — Leonard occupied a front-row seat. On July 10, Ingram was present at a Clippers summer league contest held in Las Vegas. Across the 2025-26 campaign with the Clippers, the 35-year-old Leonard posted averages of 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.4 blocks per outing. During his lone campaign with Toronto, Ingram put up 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game before suffering an injury just 11 minutes into Game 5 of the Raptors' opening-round playoff matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. A procedure on his right heel took place on 8 May. In the 2025-26 season, Dick logged an average of 14 minutes per outing, posting six points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game — each figure representing a personal low point in his career. Having played a pivotal role in Toronto's 2019 title victory, Leonard departed after a single season to sign with the Clippers as a free agent, returning to the city where he grew up. Following the completion of the trade, Leonard is anticipated to address the media at the Raptors' Sept. 28 media day.

Kawhi Leonard Set to Return to Toronto Raptors in Trade with Los Angeles Clippers

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Kawhi Leonard Set to Return to Toronto Raptors in Trade with Los Angeles Clippers

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