Dec 3, 2018; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in action against the Denver Nuggets at Scotiabank Arena. The Nuggets beat the Raptors 106-103. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images
The Kawhi Leonard saga is finally over. After months of uncertainty surrounding the blockbuster NBA deal, the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors have agreed to officially complete the trade that sends Leonard back to Toronto. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday that both sides have agreed to move forward with the transaction, with a trade call now set to take place.
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. The sides will now schedule a… pic.twitter.com/c0lk5xUGJG
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 14, 2026
The trade had originally been agreed to in June but was put on hold while the NBA investigated the Clippers and Leonard over salary-cap circumvention. With the league’s investigation now complete and the penalties handed down, the two teams can finally finish the deal.
MORE: Kawhi Leonard NBA investigation sheds dark cloud on upcoming season
Raptors send massive package for Kawhi Leonard
Jun 13, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Toronto Raptors center Serge Ibaka (9) celebrate with the Larry O’Brien Trophy after the Golden State Warriors in game six of the 2019 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Toronto’s price for bringing back the star who led the franchise to its only NBA championship is substantial.
The Raptors will send the Clippers:
Brandon Ingram
Gradey Dick
Two unprotected first-round picks
One first-round pick swap
Two second-round picks
The two unprotected first-round selections are scheduled to be 2031 and 2033, while the first-round swap is in 2027. The second-round selections are in 2030 and 2033.
For Toronto, however, the deal is about much more than acquiring another star. Leonard returns to the organization where he won the 2019 NBA championship and Finals MVP, giving the Raptors a proven superstar to pair with Scottie Barnes.
Leonard is also coming off an outstanding 2025-26 season with the Clippers, averaging 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
The Clippers desperately needed the assets
NBA: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers
Mar 16, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer reacts against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The timing of the trade is particularly significant for Los Angeles.
Earlier this month, the NBA concluded its investigation and determined that the Clippers had violated the league’s salary-cap circumvention rules. The league stripped Los Angeles of five first-round picks from 2029 through 2033 and fined the organization $30 million. Leonard was fined $700,000 but was not suspended.
That makes the draft compensation from Toronto even more valuable to the Clippers.
Los Angeles will now receive Ingram, Dick, and a significant collection of future assets while moving on from Leonard.
After months of uncertainty, the trade is finally moving toward completion—and Kawhi Leonard is officially headed back to Toronto.
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