Kawhi Returns to Toronto
Kawhi Leonard agrees to extension with Toronto Raptors following trade from Clippers.
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Key Points
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The NBA punished the Clippers by stripping them of five first-round draft picks and fining the team $30 million for violating salary-cap circumvention rules; Leonard was also fined $700,000 for his involvement.
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Leonard waived a $7.45 million trade kicker in addition to accepting $11 million less than his maximum extension, further increasing Toronto’s financial flexibility.
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Leonard said his decision was not primarily about joining the strongest championship contender: “I’m not really championship chasing, trying to find the best team I could win [with].”
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Toronto’s trade package for Leonard included Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and two second-round selections.
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ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Leonard expects to finish his career in Toronto, although he could opt out in 2028 or become a free agent in 2029.
Kawhi Leonard has agreed to a two-year, $115 million extension with the Toronto Raptors, cementing his return to the team after the NBA completed its trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. AP The deal includes a player option for 2028-29, and Leonard waived a $7.45 million trade kicker while accepting $11 million less than his maximum contract to help Toronto's financial flexibility.
Leonard's homecoming comes after leading the Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019, capped by a famous Game 7 buzzer-beater against Philadelphia. The star forward chose Toronto over other teams, including Miami and San Antonio, citing his connection to the city and family. AP He said his focus was not on "championship chasing" but on his relationship with the organization and community.
NBA Punishes Clippers for Salary-Cap Violations
The NBA investigation revealed salary-cap circumvention by the Los Angeles Clippers in facilitating Leonard's departure. AP The league stripped the Clippers of five first-round draft picks and fined them $30 million. Leonard himself was fined $700,000 for his involvement in the violation.
Leonard Takes Discounted Deal to Help Toronto's Salary Cap
Leonard's willingness to accept less than his maximum contract salary signals his commitment to keeping Toronto competitive long-term. AP By waiving the $7.45 million trade kicker and taking $11 million below his max extension, Leonard freed up valuable salary-cap space for the franchise to pursue additional roster moves and maintain flexibility.
Teammates and Coaches Embrace Leonard's Return
Toronto's roster has reacted with excitement to Leonard's arrival. Toronto native RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, Collin Murray-Boyles and coach Darko Rajakovic all welcomed the championship veteran. AP Rajakovic highlighted Leonard's championship experience, elite defense and disciplined approach as game-changers for the Raptors' ambitions.
Questions Linger About RJ Barrett's Role and Future
While Leonard's return excites Toronto, some analysts question whether RJ Barrett fits alongside Leonard and Scottie Barnes long-term. AP Barrett's expiring contract and the Raptors' salary-cap constraints could make him expendable. However, ESPN Shams Charania reported the team plans to give the trio time to develop chemistry before making major roster changes.
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