The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers have moved past the final hurdle and secured the trade that sends Kawhi Leonard back to the city where he captured the 2019 NBA championship. The agreement mirrors the terms first announced two and a half months ago.
Trade details
Under the deal, Leonard will re‑join the Raptors, while the Clippers acquire forward Brandon Ingram, rookie guard Gradey Dick, two first‑round draft selections, two second‑round picks and a future pick‑swap right. The terms were confirmed by a source familiar with the negotiations, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because league approval was still pending.
Background and NBA sanctions
The trade was temporarily stalled in early July while the NBA investigated whether the Clippers had skirted salary‑cap rules in structuring Leonard’s contract. That probe resulted in significant penalties for the Clippers organization, including a one‑year suspension for owner Steve Ballmer, a $30 million fine and the forfeiture of five first‑round draft picks.
Leonard himself was fined $700,000 as part of the investigation, but he was not suspended and his contract remains intact. The Raptors appear confident that the sanctions will not affect Leonard’s eligibility to play for Toronto.
Leonard’s impact and future with Toronto
Leonard, 35, spent a single season with the Raptors in 2018‑19, leading the team to its lone championship. He is coming off his most prolific scoring season, averaging 27.9 points per game over 65 games with the Clippers. A seven‑time All‑Star and two‑time NBA champion, Leonard is widely regarded as one of the league’s premier defensive players.
Toronto officials expect Leonard to sign a contract extension once the trade is officially approved, positioning the franchise to contend in the Eastern Conference for years to come.
Upcoming schedule
The Raptors will travel to Los Angeles to face the Clippers on November 2, and will host the Clippers in Toronto on January 1. The two clubs also meet in a preseason game in Vancouver on October 10.
With Leonard’s return, Toronto fans anticipate a resurgence of the championship spirit that defined the 2019 season, while the Clippers look to rebuild around Ingram and the additional draft assets.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
