The Los Angeles Clippers are closing in on a major trade that would send superstar forward Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors, sources told ESPN.
In the deal, the Raptors would acquire the two-time NBA Finals MVP in exchange for forward Brandon Ingram, sharpshooter Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-round picks. The move represents a homecoming for Leonard, who led Toronto to its only NBA championship in 2019 as the Finals MVP.
Discussions between the teams have intensified in recent days, building on earlier trade talks. Leonard, entering the final year of his contract, had signaled through his representatives that he would only commit to a long-term extension with the Raptors if moved from Los Angeles. This willingness proved pivotal in advancing negotiations.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the sides are nearing agreement on the full package, echoing details shared across multiple outlets on Tuesday. Brian Windhorst of ESPN noted earlier in the day that the teams had agreed on player compensation, with draft-pick details still being finalized, and indicated a deal could materialize quickly.
For the Raptors, landing Leonard reunites the organization with a proven champion and pairs him with young talent like Scottie Barnes. The addition addresses Toronto’s need for a high-impact wing while leveraging assets that were viewed as potentially expendable.
The Clippers, meanwhile, stand to gain a younger scorer in Ingram — who averaged over 20 points per game in recent seasons — alongside Dick’s shooting potential and valuable future draft capital. The haul provides Los Angeles flexibility as it reshapes its roster around remaining core pieces.
Leonard spent just one memorable season in Toronto before departing as a free agent. His return to Canada would mark one of the more dramatic reunions in recent NBA history, injecting immediate contention potential into the Eastern Conference. As of Tuesday evening, the deal had not yet been finalized but appeared imminent pending final approvals.
