Kawhi Leonard has rejoined the Toronto Raptors after being traded from the LA Clippers, expressing gratitude for his return to the franchise. The trade, announced recently, involved the Raptors sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks to the Clippers.
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Leonard, 35, commented on his decision to return to Toronto, stating, "I’m not really championship-chasing, trying to find the best team I could win. I didn’t wanna put on a thousand jerseys. The city took a liking to my family. I took a liking to the city. Really enjoyed it."
He has one year left on his contract, with expectations that the Raptors will sign him to an extension. The former San Diego State star is set to earn $50.3 million next season.
This marks Leonard's second stint with the Raptors, during which he famously led the team to its first NBA championship in 2019. He was traded to the Raptors from the San Antonio Spurs for DeMar DeRozan in July 2018. In the 2018-19 season, Leonard averaged 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, earning selections to the All-Star team, the All-Defensive Second Team, and the All-NBA Second Team. The Raptors won 58 regular-season games as the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
Toronto, boosted by the performances of Leonard, Pascal Siakam, and Kyle Lowry, defeated the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks in the playoffs, ultimately facing the Golden State Warriors in the Finals. The Raptors won the series in six games, with Leonard awarded Finals MVP after averaging 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
Following his championship victory, Leonard signed with the Clippers in 2019 but was unable to reach the NBA Finals during his tenure in Los Angeles. He and Paul George, who left the Clippers in 2024, played together for five seasons but only made it to the Western Conference Finals in 2021, where they lost to the Phoenix Suns.
With Leonard’s return, the Raptors now feature a promising core, including Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Collin Murray-Boyles. Leonard hopes to make a significant impact once again, saying, "Hopefully they embrace me back and give it my all again, and hopefully we can make something special happen once again."