Toronto, ON – The Toronto Raptors confirmed on Tuesday that All‑Star forward Kawhi Leonard has agreed to a two‑year, $115 million contract extension, with a player option for the 2028‑29 season. The deal, reported by ESPN and confirmed by Leonard’s agent Harrison Gaines of Slash Sports, keeps the seven‑time All‑NBA player in Canada beyond the 2026‑27 season.
Background and contract details
Leonard currently has three years and $165 million remaining on his original contract with the Raptors, which the team re‑acquired on Sept. 14 in a long‑delayed trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. Under the new extension, Leonard will take $11 million less than the maximum amount allowed for a contract of this length and will waive a $7.5 million trade kicker, demonstrating his commitment to the organization.
Trade that brought Leonard back to Toronto
The trade, initially agreed to on June 30, was finalized after months of delay while the NBA investigated alleged impermissible benefits provided to Leonard by the Clippers. In exchange for sending Leonard to Toronto, the Clippers received forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two unprotected first‑round picks, one first‑round pick swap and two second‑round picks. Those picks will help the Clippers replace the five first‑round selections stripped from the franchise for a $28 million “no‑show job” arrangement that the league deemed a salary‑cap circumvention.
NBA penalties for the Clippers
The NBA’s investigation concluded that the Clippers used team partners – Boingo Wireless, Daktronics and Lockton Insurance – to pay Leonard in violation of league rules. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer announced on Sept. 13 that he would accept the league’s punishment, which includes a one‑year suspension for the organization, a $30 million fine and the forfeiture of the draft picks mentioned above.
Leonard’s performance and legacy
Leonard, 35, averaged 25.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game over 331 games (329 starts) in his six seasons with the Clippers. He posted a career‑high 27.9 points per game in 65 regular‑season games last season. Leonard’s single season with the Raptors in 2018‑19 culminated in the franchise’s first NBA championship, and he was named NBA Finals MVP for his role in that title run.
Over his 14‑year career, Leonard has logged 798 games (769 starts) with the San Antonio Spurs, the Raptors and the Clippers, averaging 20.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals. He has been selected to seven All‑NBA teams and has earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award twice.
What the extension means for Toronto
By securing Leonard’s services through at least the 2027‑28 season, the Raptors retain one of the league’s premier two‑way players – a scorer, defender and proven winner. The extension also provides stability for the franchise’s roster planning and gives fans confidence that the team will continue to compete at a high level.
Toronto’s front office praised Leonard’s willingness to stay, noting his leadership and professionalism both on and off the court. The organization expects the veteran’s presence to mentor younger talent and help the Raptors remain a contender in the Eastern Conference.
Looking ahead
With the extension in place, the Raptors can focus on building around Leonard’s skill set, adding complementary pieces through free agency, trades and the upcoming draft. The team’s next steps will be closely watched by fans eager to see another championship run.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
