Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers brings the ball up court during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 27, 2026.

Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers brings the ball up court against the Indiana Pacers on March 27, 2026. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

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Raptors Want To Trade For Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard, Who Would Sign Extension With Toronto And Spurs

Ashish MathurJune 25, 2026 12:38 PMJune 25, 2026 12:55 PM

DHJ Quick Take: Raptors Eye Reunion With Kawhi Leonard

A Potential Championship Sequel: The Toronto Raptors are expressing strong interest in trading for Kawhi Leonard, eyeing a massive reunion with the superstar who famously led the franchise to its historic 2019 NBA Championship.
Contract and Trade Leverage: With Leonard entering the final year of his contract at $50.3 million without an extension in place, the Los Angeles Clippers may be forced to explore the trade market this offseason.
Preferred Extension Destinations: Insiders note that the future Hall of Famer would be highly receptive to signing a long-term extension with both the Raptors and San Antonio Spurs, but would refuse to sign one if dealt to the Detroit Pistons or Miami Heat.

The Toronto Raptors want to trade for Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.

Toronto, of course, famously acquired Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs in 2018 and won the 2019 championship against the Golden State Warriors in six games, with Leonard winning Finals MVP.

In the summer of 2019, Leonard left the Raptors for the Clippers, who have never reached the NBA Finals. Many people believe Leonard made a mistake leaving Toronto for Los Angeles.

If Leonard and LAC don’t agree to an extension this offseason, Leonard could get traded. The future Hall of Famer has one year left on his contract. He’ll make $50.3 million next season. Players of Leonard’s caliber don’t enjoy playing on expiring contracts.

Fischer reports that Leonard would consider signing an extension with the Raptors and Spurs but wouldn’t sign one with the Detroit Pistons or Miami Heat. Miami already made one blockbuster trade this offseason, acquiring two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Warriors remain interested in trading for Leonard, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal. Golden State tried to acquire Leonard at the February trade deadline.

While many insiders believe the Clippers should trade Leonard, owner Steve Ballmer has maintained a firm stance against trading the forward, according to Anthony Slater of ESPN.

Leonard put up 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game this past season. The wing played in 65 games, the most games he’s played in since the 2023-24 season. However, the Clippers missed the playoffs after losing to the Warriors in the 9-10 play-in game at home.

A top-75 player of all time, Leonard has played for the Spurs, Raptors and Clippers. He holds career averages of 20.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in the regular season and 21.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game in the playoffs.

Leonard is a two-time champion, two-time Finals MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time All-Star. He turns 35 on June 29, which is coming up.

It will be fascinating to see if the Clippers trade or keep Leonard, who has been interviewed by NBA investigators as part of the ongoing investigation into allegations that LAC circumvented the salary cap to compensate him.

The Raptors lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of this year’s playoffs in seven games, while the Spurs fell to the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals in five games.