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Reports: Raptors, Clippers agree to complete trade to send Leonard back to Toronto
On Monday, the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors officially finalized their trade, sending two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to Toronto after a two-month delay stemming from an NBA investigation into salary cap circumvention.
The trade was initially agreed on June 30, 2026, but the NBA placed it on hold while investigating the Clippers for circumventing salary cap rules; Leonard's representatives signaled his commitment to ending his career in Toronto.
On Sept. 2, the NBA fined the Clippers $30 million and mandated forfeiture of five first-round picks spanning 2029–2033, while Leonard received a $700,000 fine but avoided suspension; owner Steve Ballmer and two executives faced suspensions.
Los Angeles acquired forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks , two second-round picks , and a 2027 first-round swap; Ingram averaged 21.5 points on 47.7 percent shooting across 77 games last season.
Leonard returns for his second stint after leading Toronto's 2019 championship run, averaging 30.5 points on 49.0 percent shooting in the playoffs and earning Finals MVP. With Scottie Barnes earning his second All-Star nod, the Raptors target a 2027 championship.