Raptors officially complete blockbuster trade for $149 million two-time NBA Finals MVP image
The Toronto Raptors’ roster just received a massive upgrade that should pay dividends in the long run.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Toronto has officially traded for a 35-year-old two-time NBA Finals MVP to strengthen their 2026-27 championship odds.
“Done deal: The LA Clippers and Raptors have both agreed to complete the trade sending Kawhi Leonard to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and two second-rounders, per ESPN sources,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday.
“The sides will now schedule a trade call. The Raptors-Clippers trade was agreed upon on June 30, paused amid the NBA investigation, and now will be processed after the Clippers gave the final sign-off Monday after utilizing the last 13 days to absorb the league’s punishment and work through internal logistics.”
For clarity, Charania is referring to the NBA’s lengthy investigation into Leonard and his involvement in the Clippers’ decision to violate the league’s salary cap circumvention rules. Per ESPN, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer ‘knowingly sought to help Leonard obtain off-court income deals, approved a business deal that he knew was a precondition for Aspiration to enter into an endorsement contract with Leonard, and failed to create conditions under which his team followed league rules’.
The NBA’s punishment for the involved parties was far from a slap on the wrist, as the Clippers forfeited five future first-round picks, Ballmer received a yearlong suspension, and Leonard was ordered to pay $700,000 for his role in Los Angeles’ sniffed-out scheme.
Now that the investigation has concluded, Leonard can move forward with his career and reunite with a Raptors organization that hasn’t come close to a championship since the 2018-19 season.
Leonard was back to his usual self with the Clippers last season, following an injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign, terrorizing defenders in the mid-range area/beyond the arc and using his strong hands/physical approach to keep ball handlers out of the paint.
The San Diego State product averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 50.5% from the field and 38.7% from deep in his final campaign with Los Angeles.
It’s safe to say the Raptors are hoping for similar two-way production from Leonard in 2026-27 and beyond.
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