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Ivory CoastKawhi Leonard Returns to Toronto in Blockbuster Trade
The Toronto Raptors have finalized a trade to bring Kawhi Leonard back, boosting their chances of a deep playoff run.
Kawhi Comes Back to Canada
The Toronto Raptors have finalized a massive trade to bring Kawhi Leonard back to Canada. The deal was delayed for months while the NBA investigated the LA Clippers for salary cap circumvention. Now that the league has finished its inquiry, fining Leonard 700,000 dollars, the trade is official.
Toronto sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first round picks, one first round swap, and two second round picks to Los Angeles. In return, they get the seven time All Star who led them to a championship in 2019.
This move allows the Raptors to move on from Ingram, who struggled in the 2026 playoffs. Ingram was set to make 40 million dollars this season and nearly 42 million dollars the following year. Getting Leonard is a major upgrade on both ends of the floor.
Building Around Two Stars
The Raptors are coming off a strong season where they won 46 games and made the playoffs for the first time in three years. While they lost Sandro Mamukelashvili in free agency, they added Kyle Anderson and Andre Jackson Jr. to help fill out the bench. They also kept Jamal Shead.
Leonard will pair up with Scottie Barnes, who is coming off an incredible season. The 24 year old forward made his first All Defensive team last year. In a seven game playoff series loss to Cleveland, Barnes averaged 24.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 8.6 assists. He is quickly becoming one of the best young players in the league.
Zach Kram gave the Raptors an A grade for their offseason moves. He called the trade a worthwhile risk for a team that now has a real chance to reach the Finals if Leonard can stay healthy.
The Sophomore X Factor
The starting lineup looks formidable, but the real wildcard is second year big man Collin Murray Boyles. As a rookie, Murray Boyles averaged 8.5 points per game. He has the potential to play as a small ball center, which could give the Raptors a highly versatile defensive lineup alongside Leonard and Barnes.
Leonard is also coming off a season where he shot a career high 6.8 three pointers per game, making 39 percent of them. Even though his shooting percentage was slightly lower than previous years, his high volume of shots made him a dangerous threat from deep.
If Murray Boyles can take a big step forward, Toronto will have one of the most dangerous defensive units in the Eastern Conference. The team is hoping this gamble pays off just like it did eight years ago.
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